Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected episodes of intense and overwhelming feelings of terror and anxiety. The emotional and mental symptoms are coupled with physical symptoms that often include constricted or difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness or faintness and abdominal distress.
Patients diagnosed with panic disorder experience sudden and sometimes repeated episodes of intense fear often with no warning or trigger.
During a panic attack, most patients have increased perspiration, they feel weak and faint. Panic disorder sufferers will often report changes in body sensations and temperatures often going from normal to an extreme heat or chill. Patients who suffer from panic attacks report feelings of loosed control, imminent disaster and sometimes sensations of smothering may accompany a panic attack.