Panic disorder is a relatively new psychiatric condition, introduced under the general heading of “Anxiety Disorders” in the 1980 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). After some amendments to this original definition, the criteria were revised in 1994 in the DSM-IV. To meet the criteria, an individual must experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and at least one attack must be followed by at least one month of at least one of the following: Persistent concern about having additional attacks; Worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences (such as losing control, having a heart attack, or going crazy); and/or Experience of a significant change in behavior related to the attack. [Source: Cultural Sociology of Mental Illness: An A-to-Z Guide; Panic Disorder]
panic disorder
anxiety disorders
mental health, mental disorders, and special groups
physical and mental health
concepts