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Panic Can Work Overtime
Just relax and stop worrying.” Sometimes it’s important to listen to this advice. But these reassuring words may not help if you have a common condition called panic disorder.
An estimated 2.4 million adult Americans suffer from panic disorder. Experts don’t know the exact causes. However, it may be linked to a chemical imbalance, stressful life events, or a family history of the condition.
Warning signs of this disorder may include the following:
- Sudden, repeated episodes of intense fear for no obvious reason. These episodes, called panic attacks, can last from a few minutes to several hours. They may occur with physical symptoms such as chest pain, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or trembling.
- Constantly feeling anxious at the prospect of having another panic attack.
- A fear of certain places or situations associated with previous attacks. For instance, someone who has had a panic attack in the car might develop a fear of driving.
If you experience these warning signs, tell your doctor. Treatment relieves this condition in the vast majority of sufferers.
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