Panic refers to sudden, overwhelming fright or terror. it includes a group of unexpected physical symptoms of the fight/flight response that occur in the absence of any obvious threat or danger.
Description
Panic, in the psychology context, refers to a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or anxiety that can be debilitating. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and feelings of unreality. Panic attacks can come on unexpectedly and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. They can be triggered by specific situations or occur seemingly out of the blue. Panic is a common symptom of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Application Areas
- Therapy sessions for individuals experiencing panic attacks
- Research on the neurological basis of panic
- Development of new treatments for panic disorders
- Training programs for mental health professionals to help clients with panic symptoms
Treatment and Risks
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat panic disorders
- Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can help manage symptoms
- Risks of untreated panic may include social isolation, depression, and substance abuse
Examples
- A person with panic disorder having a panic attack while driving
- An individual experiencing panic symptoms before a job interview
- Someone with social anxiety having a panic attack at a party
Similar Concepts and Synonyms
- Anxiety attacks
- Overwhelming fear
- Terror
Articles with 'Panic' in the title
- Panic attack: Panic attack: panic attack refers to abrupt experience of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by several physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations
- Panic control therapy: Panic control therapy: Panic control therapy : Panic Control therapy (PCT) refers to the treatment that consists of cognitive restructuring, exposure to bodily cues associated with panic attacks, and breathing retraining
- Panic control treatment (PCT): Panic control treatment (PCT) : Panic Control treatment also known as PCT refers to the cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic attacks, involving gradual exposure to feared somatic sensations and modification of percepti- ons and attitu . . .
- Panic disorder: Panic disorder is defined as a disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected Panic attacks. Panic attacks are short, intense periods during which an individual experiences physiological and cognitive symptoms of anxiety, characterized by . . .
- Panic disorder (PD): Panic disorder (PD) : panic disorder (PD) refers to a form of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror that strike repeatedly and without warning
- Panic disorder (with agoraphobia): Panic disorder (with agoraphobia) : Panic disorder (with agoraphobia) : Panic disorder (with Agoraphobia) refers to a chronic state of anxiety and brief moments of sudden, intense, unexpected panic
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA): Panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) : panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA ) refers to fear and avoidance of situations the person believes might induce a dreaded panic attack
- Panic room: Panic room: Panic room refers to a "safe room" that people can hole up in the event of an emergency which range from simple room to high tech room that protects the occupants againts calamities, like hurricanes, home invasion or biological . . .
- Professional panic attack: Professional panic attack refers to loud and prolonged verbal and physical temper tantrum displayed by Psychiatrists when a Client/Patient refuses to pay them for their alleged services
- Hispanic Americans: Hispanic Americans refer to Americans whose cultural origins trace back to countries in which the dominant language is Spanish, such as Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as Central and South American countries
- Tympanic membrane: Tympanic membrane refers to the eardrum, a membrane at the end of the auditory canal that vibrates in response to vibrations of the air and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles in the middle ear
Summary
Panic in the psychology context refers to sudden and overwhelming fear or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms. It is a common symptom of various anxiety disorders and can be triggered by specific situations or occur unexpectedly. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent further panic attacks. Untreated panic can lead to additional mental health issues such as social isolation and substance abuse.
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