You are having dinner with your friend who experiences a sudden onset of intense terror, without warning and with no specific cause. Your friend would most likely be diagnosed as suffering from panic disorder.

<h3>What is panic disorder?</h3>

The physical symptoms of panic disorder, which can include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal discomfort, are unexpected and recurrent episodes of acute dread.
The precise cause of panic disorder is not entirely understood, as is the case with many other mental health issues.
However, a number of factors, such as a traumatic or extremely stressful life experience, like a loss, are thought to be connected to it.
Experiencing a panic condition in a close family member.
Some of these symptoms or indicators are frequently present during panic attacks: a feeling of imminent peril or doom.
Fear of losing control or passing away.
Beats per minute heart rate.
The truth is that there is no complete recovery from panic disorder.
It is manageable to the point where it no longer severely interferes with your life.
The fact that panic disorder differs considerably from person to person is one reason there is no permanent cure.