Panic disorder is a real illness. It can be treated with medicine or therapy. If you have panic disorder, you feel suddenly 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. You may live in constant fear of another attack and may stay away from places where you have had an attack. For some people, fear takes over their lives and they are unable to leave their homes. Panic attacks don't last long, but they are so scary they feel like they go on forever. For information about NIMH and its programs, please email, write or phone us .