What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. During a panic attack, a person may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom or loss of control. These attacks feel overwhelming and unpredictable, often striking without obvious warning.

What distinguishes panic disorder from general anxiety disorders is the pattern: panic attacks are acute and sudden, whereas generalized anxiety builds slowly and persists over weeks or months. In panic disorder, the attacks themselves cause sufficient distress that people often develop a secondary fear: anxiety about when and where the next attack might occur. This fear can lead to avoidance of places or situations where attacks have happened, sometimes limiting work, social, or travel activities.

Diagnosis typically requires multiple unexpected panic attacks, followed by at least one month of persistent worry about future attacks or their implications. A psychiatrist evaluates the frequency and intensity of episodes, any agoraphobic patterns that emerge, and how much the condition disrupts daily functioning. Panic disorder is distinct from panic attacks caused by medical conditions (like thyroid problems) or substance use, which must be ruled out during assessment.

Recognition and diagnosis are important because panic disorder is treatable with therapy, medication, or both. Psychiatrists in Milan specializing in adult psychiatry can assess panic symptoms, distinguish them from other anxiety conditions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.