Can Recurring Panic Attacks Lead to A Long-Term Health Problem?

Panic attacks can happen suddenly and feel very scary. They cause strong physical symptoms like a racing heart and trouble breathing.

But how do you know if it’s a panic attack or something more serious, like panic disorder?

A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear that comes out of nowhere. It causes strong physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. Some people feel like they’re choking or dying. It usually peaks within minutes, and while it’s not life-threatening, it can feel terrifying in the moment.

Panic attacks can happen to anyone. Many people may only have one or two in their lives, often during stressful times. But when these attacks happen again and again, it may be a sign of panic disorder.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder marked by repeated, unexpected panic attacks. What makes it a disorder is the ongoing fear that more are coming, and the behavior changes people make to avoid having another one. People with panic disorder often change their routines or avoid certain places and situations. This fear can take over their daily life.

It’s important to note that not everyone who has panic attacks has panic disorder.

To be diagnosed with panic disorder, a person must:

• Have recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
• Experience one month or more of ongoing worry about having another attack
• Start avoiding situations that they think might trigger another one

Also, the symptoms must not be caused by other health issues like thyroid problems, medications, or another mental health condition like phobias or PTSD.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

People with panic disorder often have sudden and repeated panic attacks. And a panic attack can happen anytime, while you’re driving, shopping, or even sleeping. The symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes and go away after 20 to 30 minutes, though some people may feel tired or shaky afterward. During a panic attack, both your body and mind react.

Here’s what you might feel:

• A racing or pounding heart
• Chest pain or tightness
• Trouble breathing or a choking feeling
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Trembling or shaking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or face
• Feeling like things aren’t real (called derealization)
• Feeling disconnected from yourself (called depersonalization)
• Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying

These symptoms are very real and very scary, even though there’s no actual danger. That’s what makes panic attacks so distressing.

What Causes Panic Disorder?

Scientists believe that panic disorder has something to do with how the brain and body handle fear and stress. Researchers are still learning how the brain, body, stress, and environment all work together in panic disorder. Their goal is to find better ways to treat it.

You’re more likely to have panic disorder if:

• It runs in your family. Panic disorder is more common in people with a parent, sibling, or child who also has it.
• You have other mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression.
• You had difficult experiences in childhood. Trauma or stress in early life (called Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) can raise your risk.

Complications of Panic Disorder

If left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can take over your life. Over time, this can make life feel smaller, more stressful, and harder to manage.

Panic attacks and panic disorder can lead to:

• Phobias, like a fear of driving or leaving the house
• Avoiding social events or public places
• Trouble at work or school
• Depression or other anxiety disorders
• Alcohol or drug use as a way to cope
• Suicidal thoughts in severe cases
• Money problems from missed work or medical bills
• Overuse of healthcare, because symptoms may feel like a serious physical illness

In serious cases, a person may not leave their home at all unless someone they trust is with them.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Panic disorder is treatable. The earlier you get help, the better. Without treatment, the condition can grow worse and affect every part of your life—including your ability to drive or live independently. In some countries, people are required by law to report a health condition that may affect their driving.

Getting medical support early can help stop things from spiraling and give you tools to take back control.

Final Thoughts

Getting help early can make a big difference. Panic disorder can grow slowly and quietly, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to take over your life. Paying attention to the signs, learning what’s happening in your body, and taking steps toward treatment can bring back your freedom, confidence, and peace of mind.