Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues:What is panic disorder?

• This is a condition of vulnerability to stress with repeated sudden attacks of panic with sustained anxiety and recurrence of panic.

• It is a period of distress and apprehension, with somatic symptoms of feeling of choking, breathing trouble, trembling with a fearful feeling that he may go insane or may even die.

• The attack may last for a few seconds to a few hours; usually the peak of distress is felt by about 10 minutes after starting.

• Recurrence is also sudden, it can be said to be a part of anxiety, phobia and stress disorder  syndrome.

• It is treated by psychotherapy, benzodiazepine group of drugs, encouraging thoughts to be free from anxiety.