Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is when someone experiences panic attacks that get in the way of their life in some way. Panic attacks can include any combination of sensations, including racing heart, rapid breathing, chest pain, dizziness, nausea or abdominal pain, blurred vision, sweating, shaking, feelings of doom, feeling like the world isn’t real, or experiencing the moment as though you are outside of yourself. There are various signs of generalized anxiety disorder.
The person may also experience fear of losing control or fear of dying or going crazy. Panic attacks can be triggered by something specific, or they can occur seemingly out of the blue. They usually reach their peak intensity within 15 minutes.
It is important to note that someone can have panic attacks without having panic disorder. When someone has panic disorder, they either avoid situations that they think will cause a panic attack (such as going to the mall, going to the movie theater, or driving), or they experience ongoing worry that they will experience another attack.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of being judged or evaluated by others, accompanied by intense discomfort interacting with others. Someone may be intensely afraid of saying the wrong thing or feeling stupid or embarrassed.
This anxiety can happen in just one specific situation, such as giving presentations at school, or in many situations wherein a child is very uncomfortable interacting with peers and adults. As a result, the person with anxiety may avoid interacting with others but still feel comfortable with close friends and family.
The person with anxiety may also request that others speak for them, such as ordering food for them at a restaurant. There is a difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder.