I. Introduction
A. Panic Attacks are a form of Anxiety characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms.
B. Panic Attack disorder affects about 6 million American adults and is twice as common in women as men. (Huppert)
C. Panic Attacks often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, but not everyone who experiences panic attacks will develop panic disorder.
II. Thesis Statement
A. Panic Attacks can occur at any time, even while sleeping.
B. I would like to discuss this disabling condition and how most people go undiagnosed and untreated. (Ebell)
III. Body
A. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. …show more content…
Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia, in which people experience seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks.
a. Sometimes they develop a fear of going into places where they have had previous panic attacks. About one in three people with panic disorder develops agoraphobia.
b. They stick to places they consider safe, and avoid public places (such as malls, trains, and stadiums) where escape may be difficult.
c. Some people develop a fixed route or territory, and it may become impossible for them to travel beyond their safety zones without suffering severe anxiety. (A.P.A.)
B. Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they’re now realized as a real medical condition.
1. Although can significantly affect your quality of life, treatment can be very effective.
2. A person with panic disorder may become discouraged and feel ashamed because he or she cannot carry out normal routines like going to the grocery store or driving. Having panic disorder can also interfere with school or work.
C. Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning.
1. They can strike at almost any time — when you 're driving the car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business