Panic disorder with agoraphobia

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Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Symptoms:

Panic attacks involve limited periods of intense symptoms, such as those listed below, which peak within 10 minutes of their onset:

Shortness of breath
Dizziness or faintness
Palpitations
Trembling
Sweating
Choking
Nausea or other abdominal distress
Numbness or tingling
Chest pain or discomfort
Hot flushes or chills
Fear of dying
Fear of being out of control
Fear of "going crazy"

Symptoms of agoraphobia include:

Anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult
Avoiding or enduring situations with marked stress or anxiety about having a panic attack
Fear of being alone
Fear of losing control in a public place
Becoming house-bound for prolonged periods
Feeling detached or estranged from others
Feeling helpless and dependent on others

Signs and tests:

A physical examination and a psychological evaluation will be performed to arrive at a diagnosis. People with undiagnosed panic disorder may truly feel as if they are dying. Often, they will go to emergency rooms or other urgent care centers because they think they are having a heart attack.

Given the physical nature of symptoms and the possibilities for misdiagnosis, it is critical that any underlying medical disorders be ruled out. Cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, neurologic, and substance abuse disorders may be suspected and can coexist with panic disorders. Diagnostic tests will done depending on the symptoms.

References:

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:162-163.

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1440.

Review Date: 5/8/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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