Panic disorder is characterized by repeated and unexpected panic attacks, followed by a period of constant worry about when the next attack will occur. Many people experience isolated panic attacks without further episodes or complications. Just because you have experienced one or two panic attacks doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop a panic disorder.

People with this disorder experience unexpected, frequent attacks that aren’t triggered by a specific situation, consistently worry about the next panic attack (anticipatory anxiety), and begin avoiding places where they have experienced a previous attack (phobic avoidance). This can sometimes lead to agoraphobia (avoidance of any situation where one may not be able to get help or the feeling of losing control in a public place).

While a single panic attack may only last a few minutes, the effects of the experience can leave a lasting imprint. If you have panic disorder, the recurrent panic attacks take an emotional toll. The memory of the intense fear and terror that you felt during the attacks can negatively impact your self-confidence and cause serious disruption to your everyday life.