panic disorder

n. A mental disorder characterized by repeated discrete periods in which the individual suffers attacks of intense fear often accompanied by palpitations, accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking sensations, chest pain, nausea, dizziness or light-headedness, feelings of unreality or detachment, numbness, and hot or cold flashes along with persistent worries about having another attack or becoming insane, and changes in behavior related to the attacks.