Diagnostic criteria for panic disorders

* At least three panic attacks within three weeks. These attacks should not be in situations that are related to excessive physical exertion or life-threa tening situations.

Fear and apprehension is present in each panic attack along with at least four of the following symptoms:

Difficulty in breathing

Awareness of, or forceful heartbeats

Chest pain or discomfort

Choking or suffocating sensation

Giddiness or unsteady feeling

Tingling in the hands and feet

Feeling of unreality

Hot and cold flashes

Sweating

Faintness

Trembling or shaking

Fear of dying, going crazy or mad or doing something uncontrollable during the panic attack.

At least one attack would have been followed by at least one month of one or more of the following:

Continuous concern about having another attack(s)

Significant worry about the likely outcome or consequences of the panic attacks, such as having a heart attack or going crazy

A major change in behavior related to the attacks.

No associated physical problems or other mental illnesses such as major depression.

Not associated with fear of being in crowds.

The frequency of panic attacks varies from person to person. Some people may have only a few attacks during the entire life while others may have attacks every few days, weeks or months. Sometimes the panic attacks may stop suddenly without any apparent reason. The severity and duration of symptoms varies with each attack.

Also learn about anxiety treatment.