Panic disorder is the ongoing fear of experiencing another panic attack. This usually occurs when the individual repeatedly experiences panic attacks for a period of time. The fear of another oncoming panic attack can become incredibly debilitating. It can become so debilitating that these individuals will decide to no longer leave the house or an area they feel comfortable in (Agoraphobia). This can include a specific amount of miles from their house. Once they pass this designated area, they can start to feel an oncoming panic attack. As a result, they will want to retreat back to the “safe area.”
Otherwise known as “Anxiety Attacks” are sudden onset experiences of extreme anxiety that usually accompany one of the following experiences:
- The fear of dying
- The fear of passing out
- The fear of going crazy
- The fear of losing touch with reality