How Panic Disorder Starts

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Registered: 03-11-2004
How Panic Disorder Starts
Tue, 03-29-2005 - 7:45am














March 29, 2005


Welcome to today's edition of Emotional Health, designed to keep you on track in a hectic world.






How Panic Disorder Starts

If you have panic disorder, you may suddenly feel terrified for no reason. These frequent bursts of terror are called panic attacks. During a panic attack, you also have scary physical feelings like a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, or dizziness. Panic attacks can happen at any time and any place without warning. They often happen in grocery stores, malls, crowds, or while traveling.

It usually starts when people are young adults, around 18 to 24 years old. Sometimes it starts when a person is already under a lot of stress, for example after the death of a loved one or after having a baby.

Anyone can have panic disorder, but more women than men have the illness. It sometimes runs in families. Panic disorder can last for a few months or for many years.