For panic disorder to be diagnosed, the person must have at least four attacks within a month or have one or more attacks with a persistent fear of another attack. Nevertheless, many of these people experience problems in their lives and may require treatment. The best evidence to date suggests that women get panic disorder about twice as often as men, but some experts suggest that men may be underreported. Fundamental to the treatment of panic disorder is proper diagnosis. Often people will go from one doctor to another seeking relief from their symptoms.
Many people stop seeking treatment out of frustration or fear.
It's discouraging to be told there is nothing wrong when repeated panic attacks prove there is something wrong. A panic sufferer may come to believe he or she is going crazy. Desperate to find a way to prevent more attacks, people often begin avoiding situations they associate with their attacks. They sometimes end up homebound or able to leave their home, apartment or residence hall room only with a trusted person. In this way, panic disorder can strain relationships with spouses, family members and friends.