Lifetime Probability of Experiencing a Panic Attack

Isolated panic attacks are remarkably common, with approximately 28% of adults experiencing at least one during their lifetime. However, panic disorder (recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with persistent worry about future attacks or behavior changes) is much less common, with a lifetime prevalence of about 4.7%.

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or hot flashes, numbness or tingling, and a feeling of impending doom or loss of control. Many people experiencing their first panic attack believe they are having a heart attack and go to the emergency room.

Panic attacks can be triggered by stress, specific situations (driving, flying, crowds), or can occur spontaneously without an obvious trigger. About 30-40% of people who have one panic attack will have another, and about 10% of those will develop panic disorder. Treatment for panic disorder includes cognitive behavioral therapy (which teaches patients that panic symptoms, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous) and medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, or short-term benzodiazepines). CBT has success rates of 70-90% for panic disorder.