What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks that come on suddenly and often for no apparent reason. Also referred to as anxiety and anxiety attacks, this disorder can be extremely debilitating. While the attacks themselves are not life-threatening, the psychological effect of them can be draining and terrifying, causing a person to withdraw from society and from normal social interactions for fear of triggering another attack.

Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with anti-depressants can often help in these severe cases. In less severe cases, cognitive therapy alone may return a person's life to normal.

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