panic disorder
(PA-nik dis-OR-der)
A type of anxiety
disorder in which a person has repeated panic attacks when
there is no actual danger. Panic attacks are sudden periods
of intense anxiety or fear that may cause irrational
thoughts or actions. During a panic attack, a person may
experience chest pain, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat,
sweating, shaking, dizziness, and feelings of impending
doom or being out of control. Panic attacks may last for
several minutes or longer. People with a panic disorder
often worry that the panic attacks will happen again and
try to avoid places or situations in which they have
occurred.