Part 4/11:
Panic disorder, where individuals experience sudden and intense bouts of fear often accompanied by physical symptoms, has also seen rising cases during the pandemic. The heightened stress related to COVID-19—such as fear of acquiring the virus, health concerns, and uncertainty regarding daily life—may provoke panic attacks in susceptible individuals. As panic symptoms mirror those of physical health issues, many sought medical assistance only to discover their experiences were anxiety-related rather than symptomatic of physical illness.