| Panic disorder is an illness that affects | | | | more likely to have panic disorder than men. |
| people in their early to middle adulthood. It | | | | Medical treatment for panic disorder has |
| is characterized by brief, unprovoked | | | | proven to be very effective with a positive |
| episodes of panic. When those with panic | | | | outcome for two-thirds of those who have the |
| disorder experience these episodes of panic, | | | | illness. But only a small percentage (10 to |
| the feelings of intense fear is also | | | | 20 percent) are ever fully cured of panic |
| accompanied by physical discomfort like a | | | | disorder. Every year, 2.4 million people are |
| feeling of smothering, hand numbness, and | | | | diagnosed and/or treated for panic |
| chest pain. The panic episode always begins | | | | disorder.To get a correct diagnosis of panic |
| quickly and usually with no warning, and | | | | disorder, a patient must fit certain |
| reaches its peak within ten minutes.Women are | | | | criteria. |