What is panic disorder?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that many of us will experience at some point in our lives when faced with something that causes concern or stress. Anxiety is a symptom of several conditions such as social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobias.

Panic disorder is a condition that causes regular, recurring panic attacks, often without a clear reason. A panic attack is usually followed by one month or more of the person fearing they will have more panic attacks, causing them to avoid situations that might induce an attack. This often overwhelming fear of the next attack may lead to a cycle of panic attacks and fear of panic attacks.