Panic disorder and Agoraphobia
Jockey Club eGPS Psychological Support Project
Panic disorder is a common mental disorder. According to statistics, about 4% of Hong Kong people are currently suffering from panic disorder. People with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks - sudden periods of intense discomfort that last for 10-30 minutes. Panic disorder can cause great problems to individuals by affecting their work and daily life.
Agoraphobia is a common condition in panic disorder. People with agoraphobia will avoid crowds (such as subways), situations in which escape might be difficult (e.g. long-distance buses) or unfamiliar places.
The psychology and medical field believe that panic disorder and agoraphobia are caused by an interaction between biological, psychological and environmental factors. Among them, genetics inheritance is the most important factor. Other related factors include chemical imbalance in the brain (biological), faulty cognition (psychology) and childhood experience (environmental).
People with panic disorder or agoraphobia will experience different “fight-or-flight responses” on the physical level (see below for examples). These physical sensations will lead to behaviours such as fleeing from the scene, or taking precautions. In the long run, it leads to worries and negative perceptions over these responses, and eventually form a vicious cycle that leads to greater distress.

Physical Sensations
Heart palpitation, sweating, trembling, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, nausea, dizziness, fever or chill, derealizatoin, depersonalization, have the feeling that your feelings and behavior do not belong to yourself
Thoughts
Fear of facing the objects they fear, fear of the consequences after facing the objects they fear, fear of death
Behavior
Avoidance Behavior: Avoid exercise, avoid the crowds
Safety Behavior: Ask someone to accompany you when going our, carrying medication
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