Types of Fears

What is a Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is a diagnosis given by a qualified professional, such as a licensed clinical psychologist, to a person who:

• suffers at least one unexpected panic attack (see What is a Panic Attack?); and,
• subsequently, for a period of at least a month, persistently fears having another attack or persistently worries about the negative consequences of the attack.

These persistent thoughts or worries may include:

1. fears that the attacks will lead to a serious illness or death
2. fears that the attack will lead to more severe mental illness or "going crazy"

fears that the attacks will never go away or will become worse, leaving the sufferer incapacitated.