Panic disorder is an anxiety condition where a person has unexpected, repeated panic attacks intense waves of fear or discomfort that peak in minutes. Unlike normal fear, panic attacks come with strong physical symptoms (heart racing, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath) and a feeling of losing control or impending doom. People with panic disorder often worry about having more attacks, which can lead them to avoid situations (like crowds, driving, or even going outside).

Symptoms, causes and challenges: Common symptoms include:

Physical: Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shaking, dizziness, nausea, numbness. Emotional: Intense fear of dying or “going crazy,” feeling detached from reality, overwhelming anxiety.
Behavioral: Avoidance of situations or places where panic occurred (these are called phobias if it’s a specific fear, e.g., elevators, storms, crowds).
Panic attacks and phobias have many causes. Biological factors like brain chemistry (imbalances in neurotransmitters) and genetics play a role. Life stressors (studies, marriage, trauma) can trigger them. Culturally, many Pakistani patients may also suffer in silence due to beliefs or family pressures. Early life anxiety or excessive worry can “train” the brain to react strongly under stress. Importantly, panic disorder is not “madness” it is treatable with medical care and therapy.