panikklidelse

Panikklidelse (also known as panic disorder in English) is an anxiety disorder defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks or changes in behavior related to the attacks. A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and includes physical and cognitive symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fear of losing control, and fear of dying.

The condition typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and is more common in women than men. The lifetime prevalence is estimated to be around 2–3% in many populations. Many individuals experience comorbid conditions, most commonly other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance use disorders.

Diagnosis is based on criteria from major classificatory systems (for example DSM-5 or ICD-10). Key criteria include recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and at least one month of persistent concern about further attacks or maladaptive changes in behavior to avoid or cope with attacks. Medical causes and substance effects must be ruled out, and other psychiatric conditions considered in differential diagnosis (such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or cardiovascular or endocrine disorders).

Etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, alterations in fear processing circuits (notably the amygdala), and neurotransmitter systems (such as GABA and serotonin), often interacting with environmental stressors.

Treatment evidence supports cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure strategies, and pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Benzodiazepines may provide short-term relief but are generally avoided for long-term use due to dependence risks. Prognosis improves with timely treatment, though without appropriate care, symptoms can persist and impair functioning.