Not a Heart Attack - For people who have experienced it the first time, they are likely to think that they have gone through a heart attack. It is important to know the signs and symptoms so you don't confuse it with having a heart attack, and instead end up not being treated properly for the right ailment.

What is panic disorder? Panic disorder is a medical term used to describe the psychiatric condition that is characterized by frequent or habitual panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral changes, of at least a month of continuing and enduring worrying about the concern and fear of having another panic attack.

What is a panic attack? Since panic disorder describes frequent panic attacks, then you should know what a panic attack is. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense anxiety that brings about feelings of fear, unease and discomfort. Its onset is generally abrupt, and could occur without any obvious triggers.

Signs of the Condition - Here are some signs and symptoms of a panic attack. Physically, the person may experience dizziness leading to panic, tightening of chest and throat, shortness of breath, choking, racing heart, tingle sensations, nausea, lightheadedness, crying, sweating, trembling or shaking, abdominal pains, hyperventilation, hot or cold flashes, exhaustion, physical limpness or weakness, and repeated tensing of muscles.

The Fear - Mentally, the individual experiences strong and/or frightening realizations of reality, loss of cognitive ability, loud internal dialogue, racing thoughts, obsessive worrying, nervousness and the overwhelming fear that something terrible is about to occur. Also, the person feels like he is "going crazy", facing impending doom, and out of control. He feels anti-social and feels like he is being threatened by something, although there is nothing threatening around him. The sufferer also has feelings of death and dying.

There are, of course more signs and symptoms. Keep in mind that these sensations, as terrible and uncomfortable as they are, will pass. A panic attack is not medically dangerous, and is instead physically harmless. However, if you want to get rid of these sensations, then you have many options of treatment nowadays. You can get treated easily now. There are some books and programs that teach you techniques on how to cope and deal with a panic attack once you experience an episode. However, you can always choose to permanently get rid of the panic attack. You can do this by learning how to stop the fear of another panic attack. Since a panic disorder is accompanied with lasting worry, concern and fear of having another attack, then what you can do is stop the fear in its tracks. Learn how to stop fearing another panic attack.