Panic disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more.

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes and brings physical symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and a sense of losing control. In panic disorder the attacks arrive without an obvious trigger, and the person begins to avoid places or situations where escape might be difficult, which can lead to agoraphobia. Onset is usually in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Diagnosis is clinical, requiring that attacks are followed by at least a month of worry or behavior change and that medical causes such as heart rhythm problems or thyroid disease have been excluded. Cognitive behavioral therapy and certain prescription medications are the established approaches. Cannabidiol has been studied for anxiety in early human research, and there is no approved use for panic disorder.