However, some people have such severe symptoms that the response interferes with daily functioning at school or work and in relationships and other social situations. This disabling anxiety may develop into panic attacks and panic disorder. It is about twice as common in females as in males. Among patients seeking treatment for an anxiety condition, panic disorder is the most common problem. A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort that is accompanied by at least four of the following physical or cognitive symptoms.
Patients often have a sense of impending doom or imminent danger and feel an urge to flee.
They may come to an emergency department or a primary care physician because they fear they are having a heart attack or stroke or are about to die. Panic attacks usually last from a few minutes to an hour. However, it is not unusual to see panic attacks occur along with other illnesses, including general medical conditions, mood disorders, and other anxiety disorders. Phobic avoidance, including agoraphobia, may develop in a person with panic disorder. Many patients with agoraphobia consider home to be a place of security, and they may limit outings or need to have a companion along when they leave home.