A panic attack is a sudden, intense feeling of fear coupled with an overwhelming sense of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms of anxiety, such as pounding heart, sweating, and rapid breathing. A person with panic disorder may have repeated panic attacks (at least several a month) and feel severe anxiety about having another attack.

Almost everyone has occasional moments of anxiety, but panic attacks are sudden and unprovoked, having little to do with real danger. Panic disorder is a chronic (long-term) condition that can have a devastating impact on a person's family, work, and social life.

People with panic disorder usually have their first panic attack in their 20s. The first attack usually strikes without warning. A person might be walking down the street, driving a car, or riding an escalator when suddenly panic strikes. Pounding heart, sweating palms, and an overwhelming feeling of impending doom...