Panic disorder
Panic disorder is recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of persistent concern or maladaptive behavioural change, with ongoing functional impact and no better physical, substance-related or mental-health explanation.
Definition
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of persistent concern about further attacks or their consequences, or a maladaptive change in behaviour related to the attacks, with clinically important distress or impairment and no better explanation by a medical condition, substance or another mental disorder.
First principles
A panic attack is an abrupt fear response
A panic attack is a discrete surge of intense fear or discomfort with autonomic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and cognitive symptoms that usually peaks within minutes. The symptoms are real and frightening; they may occur without external danger, but a first or atypical episode must not be dismissed as panic before appropriate clinical assessment.
This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.