A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions despite the absence of any real danger or apparent cause. It typically peaks within minutes and can last from a few seconds to around 30 minutes, though physical and emotional effects may linger for hours
. Symptoms of a panic attack often include:
- Rapid, pounding heart rate or palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or tightness in the throat
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
- Nausea or abdominal cramping
- Chills or hot flashes
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or detachment
- Sense of impending doom or fear of losing control or dying
Panic attacks represent an exaggerated fear response, activating the body's "fight-or-flight" autonomic nervous system without an actual threat. This can lead people to mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack or losing control
. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by stress, and while many people experience only one or two in their lifetime, recurrent attacks with persistent fear of future episodes may indicate panic disorder, a treatable anxiety condition
. In summary, a panic attack is an intense, sudden surge of fear accompanied by physical symptoms that can be very distressing but are not physically harmful. Treatment and coping strategies are available to manage and reduce their impact on daily life
