Sufferers of panic disorder describe an attack as a very scary and even violent experience.  They may feel disconnected from the world, or that they are losing control over their own mind.  A shortness of breath and an overwhelming mix of feelings have also been described as symptoms.  Panic attack victims may feel completely helpless or even anticipate death, so it's certainly not just a feeling of discomfort or overreaction. 

There are also physical effects in addition to the emotional distress.  A pounding heart, faintness, dizzy spells, chills, sweatiness, chest pains and numbness in the limbs are typical physical effects associated with the disorder.  This type of attack is often confused for a heart attack and comes just as unexpectedly, met with the same amount of dread.  Panic attacks can even strike a person while in a deep sleep. 

The average time frame for an episode is ten minutes though physical symptoms have been known to last longer.  This type of disorder affects some six million Americans every year.  However, people who endure panic attacks do not necessarily develop a panic disorder.  They may have panic attacks now and then but unless these episodes are chronic, they would not be diagnosed as a full panic disorder.  Genetics and traumatic events decide the development of a panic disorder, whereas general chaos in life determines the occasional panic attack.

A panic disorder is treatable with professional care.  People who suffer from the condition are advised to seek treatment before they start avoidance patterns, namely by avoiding the object or situation with triggers the attack.  This is important not only for the effectiveness of the therapy but also to prevent the panic disorder from affecting any major part of the person's life, such as work or school.  About one third of panic disorder sufferers become house bound, afraid to confront various situations or objects in the outside world.  Agoraphobia can also develop which will only worsen the panic disorder. 

Panic disorder is not always diagnosed correctly.  A person might believe they are having heart problems and so check themselves into the emergency room every time a panic attack is felt.  They might also go from doctor to doctor reporting different physical symptoms, but never quite understand the disorder until it's properly diagnosed.  Panic disorder is treatable, however. 

Certain types of medication have proved helpful in treating this disorder, although medication is not the only solution.  Cognitive psychotherapy has also proven successful in treating the disorder by having the patient's thinking patterns reshaped to better alleviate the anxiety.  Some doctors would prefer to combine the two practices, dispensing some medication and working with psychotherapy to help relax the person's thinking. 

Not treating a serious case of panic disorder could lead to more disorders developing, such as depression and drug or alcohol abuse.  Therefore if you or someone you know suffers from consistent and intense panic attacks, then it's possible the condition is a serious panic disorder.  Professional treatment is the best solution in this instance.