How common is panic disorder?
If you have panic disorder, you’re not alone:
- around 5 per cent of Australians experience panic disorder in their lifetime
- around 3-4 per cent experience it in any 12 month period.
Panic disorder can develop at any age, but it’s rare in older people and children.
Signs and symptoms of panic disorder
If you have panic disorder you may:
- have recurring and unexpected panic attacks.
- worry for at least a month after having a panic attack that you’ll have another one
- make significant changes to try to avoid panic attacks - for example, you might avoid exercise because it increases your heart rate.
You might also worry about why you’re having panic attacks. For example, some people worry it means they have another illness. They may have repeated medical tests which show nothing’s wrong but still be afraid that they’re unwell.
What does a panic attack feel like?
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Milli's story: “I thought I was about to faint."
“I thought I was having a medical emergency.
“I thought I was dying.”
Milli describes what a panic attack feels like.
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