A panic attack is a very unpleasant experience and can feel very frightening. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences panic attacks that seem to come from nowhere and the person becomes preoccupied with having a future panic attack. Panic disorder often interferes in a person's life because they may avoid doing things and going places where they fear a panic attack could occur. 

 

Approximately 2-3% of Americans experience panic disorder each year. A person of any age can have panic disorder, but it most commonly begins during early adulthood. 

​

​