Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder (PD) involves the fearful experience of recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, in situations that are of little danger.

What is panic?

• Severe panic sensations can happen to anyone
• Whereas anxiety in general is about worrying about something not turning out right in the future, panic tends to focus more on the present and involve feelings such as a fear of losing control, a sense of approaching danger and feeling helpless

• PD usually starts suddenly, from mid-to late twenties, although children can also develop PD and it may emerge in adulthood
• Stressful life events are common at the time it first develops
• Approximately 3 in 100 people have PD over a 12 month period, or 2.6% of Australian adults