Is panic disorder for life?

Question

I have panic disorder, and get about 2 panic attacks a week. I also have anticipatory anxiety, and my anxiety can be quite distressing. Just wondering if panic disorder lasts for life.

Answer 1

From long-term follow-up studies, panic disorder can last a long time, and there is a high rate of relapse. In other words, this is a chronic disorder for many people, and the disorder waxes and wanes (comes and goes). It is uncertain whether some people can have panic disorder for life, but it does last a long time for many with panic disorder. That is why it is important to seek active treatment to eradicate panic disorder so that it does not linger and become a chronic disability.