Panic disorder includes recurrent panic attacks that happen often (at least once/week). A panic attack is an increase of intense feelings of fear or discomfort, lasting about 20 minutes, which can happen from a calm state or an anxious state. Panic disorder is much less common among children who have not reached puberty in comparison to adolescents (Elia J., 2021). Often, individuals go to the ER as a result of their symptoms, not realizing that they may be experiencing a panic disorder along with the associated symptoms listed below. 

Symptoms: according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder - 5th Edition (DSM-5)

• Pounding heart.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Feelings of shortness of breath.
• Feelings of choking.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or abdominal distress.
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint.
• Chills or heat sensations.
• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from themselves.
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”.
• Fear of dying.