Understanding Panic Disorders Fear, heart palpitations, terror, a sense of impending doom, dizziness, fear of fear. These are the words used to describe a panic disorder. But there is great hope: treatment can benefit virtually everyone who has this condition. It is extremely important for the person who has to learn about the problem and the availability of effective treatments and to seek help. The encouraging progress in the treatment of panic disorder reflects recent, rapid advances in scientific understanding of the brain. In fact, the President and the U.S. Congress have declared the 1