People with a panic disorder suffer sudden, intense overwhelming terror for no apparent reason. Their fear is accompanied by other symptoms, including sweating, heart palpitations, hot or cold flashes, choking or smothering, and feelings of unreality. New research shows that there may be a brain malfunction and decrease in the body's ability to respond to stress. Medication, usually an antidepressant, can greatly reduce the incidence and intensity of the attacks.

Panic disorders are often diagnosed as physical ailments and not treated appropriately. Untreated panic disorders can cause such anxiety in the life of the individual that they may not be able to work or perform daily activities. They can leave the person home bound and a social isolate. Panic disorders are treatable with a combination of medication, psychotherapy and behavior modification.

Symptoms of panic attacks are:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or fast heart rate
  
• Sweating, trembling and shaking
  
• Shortness of breath or feelings of smothering
  
• Feelings of choking
  
• Chest pain
  
• Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
  
• Feeling dizzy or light headed
  
• Fear of loosing control, going crazy, or dying
  
• Numbness or tingling, chills, or hot flashes