People use the word terror to describe the severity of the anxiety connected with panic. Sometimes the sudden episode is called a panic attack. Yes, panic and panic attacks tend to cluster in certain families. About twice as many women as men are diagnosed with panic. Although panic can happen at any age, it generally first occurs in early adulthood.
Panic is quite common in the United States.
Since people who are experiencing a panic attack often exhibit symptoms similar to those associated with a heart attack, it is important not to overlook a physical illness that might mimic or contribute to this disorder. In an emergency room, rapid acting, antianxiety medications can be given to a person with panic. To prevent future attacks, some types of antianxiety and antidepressant medications can be prescribed. Therapy, such as behavior, family, or insight-oriented therapy, is very helpful for individuals with a history of panic. For people with panic attacks and depression, treatment of the depression will generally cause the panic to diminish or stop.