7 Signs of a Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of having another panic attack after you have experienced it for at least one month. You have a persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks recurring. Panic attacks are scary for everyone. These intense episodes come on fast, and sometimes for reasons unknown. Perhaps you can think of a time you needed to support someone going through one of these horrifying events. Maybe you experienced one yourself. While most people will experience a panic attack at least a couple times in their lifetime, for some, these episodes are a regular occurrence that develops into a panic disorder. To shed some light on this dark topic, in this video, we’ll discuss seven signs of a panic disorder.

Disclaimer: This video is for informative purposes only. It is important to see a doctor or other mental health professional if you feel that you feel that you are struggling. Do not self-diagnose.

If you're suffering from panic attacks and what to know how to deal with it. We've also made a video on the do's and don'ts with panic attacks: https://youtu.be/t7VjFfsZKE4

Writer: Sidney Thompson
Script Editor: Isadora Ho
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
Animator: Nayeli Meneses
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Ankrom, Sheryl. “DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Panic Disorder.” Very well Mind, 7 July 2020, www.verywellmind.com/diagnosing-panic-disorder-2583930.

Star, Kathrina. “Frightening Thoughts Are Common for Those With Panic Disorder.” Verywell Mind, 25 Mar. 2020, www.verywellmind.com/depersonalization-and-derealization-2584238.

Editors of Mayo Clinic. “Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 May 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376027.

Healthwise Staff. “Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder.” Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan , 28 May 2019, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw53796.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.10, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Criteria Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t10/