- The essential feature of Panic Disorder is the presence of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another panic attack, worry about the possible implications or consequences of the panic attacks, or a significant behavioral change related to the attacks.
- The frequency and severity of the panic attacks vary widely. Some individuals have moderately frequent attacks ( once a week) that occur regularly for months at a time. Others report short bursts of more frequent attacks (daily for a week) separated by weeks or months without any attacks or with less frequent attacks (two a month) over many years.
- In addition to worry about panic attacks and their implications, many individuals with Panic Disorder also report constant or intermittent feelings of anxiety that are not focused on any specific situation or event.
- In some individuals, loss or disruption of important interpersonal relationships is associated with the onset or exacerbation of Panic Disorder. Demoralization is a common consequence, with many individuals becoming discouraged, ashamed, and unhappy about the difficulties of carrying out their normal routines.
Panic attacks are a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four or more of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within ten minutes:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated hear rate
- sweating
- trembling or shaking
- sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- feeling of choking
- chest pain or discomfort
- nausea or abdominal distress
- feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- feelings or unreality or being detached form oneself
- fear of losing control or going crazy
- fear of dying
- numbness or tingling sensations
- chills or hot flashes
Criteria for Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia:
Criteria for Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia:
recurrent unexpected panic attacks at least one of the attacks has been followed by one month or one or more of the following: 
persistent concern about having additional attacks worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences a significant change in behavior related to the attacks absence of agoraphobia panic attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance panic attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder
BACKrecurrent unexpected panic attacks at least one of the attacks has been followed by one month of one or more of the following: persistent concern about having additional attacks worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences a significant change in behavior related to the attacks presence of agoraphobia (anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms. The anxiety typically leads to a pervasive avoidance of a variety of situations). panic attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance panic attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder - The frequency and severity of the panic attacks vary widely. Some individuals have moderately frequent attacks ( once a week) that occur regularly for months at a time. Others report short bursts of more frequent attacks (daily for a week) separated by weeks or months without any attacks or with less frequent attacks (two a month) over many years.