Symptoms and Diagnosis of Panic Disorder
By Cathleen Henning Fenton, About.com Guide to Panic Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of panic disorder and panic attacks, how panic disorder is evaluated and how you can make sure you are getting a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Are you wondering if you have panic disorder? Did you experience a panic attack? Did your doctor diagnose you as having panic disorder? Here you'll find the symptoms of panic attacks and panic disorder.
Diagnosis of Panic Disorder
Currently, there is not a medical or laboratory diagnostic test for panic disorder. Health care providers generally make a diagnosis of panic disorder after ruling out (or treating) possible medical and/or other psychiatric conditions, and then evaluating current symptoms. Learn more about how panic disorder is evaluated and diagnosed.
Causes of Panic Disorder
Scientists do not know the exact cause of panic disorder, and there may be more than one cause. Researchers have been able to pinpoint several risk factors for panic disorder, and various studies have shown different biochemical factors at play. Current and future studies may narrow down the possible causes, resulting in better treatment for everyone with panic disorder.
Agoraphobia
About one-third of people with panic disorder go on to develop agoraphobia. Agoraphobia can be a chronic, disabling condition which causes people to suffer in silence when those around them cannot understand. You are not alone. Seek support and treatment now, explain your condition to loved ones, and you will be on your way to recovery.
