A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. These episodes can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by specific triggers. Symptoms typically peak within minutes and can include:
1. **Rapid heartbeat**: Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
2. **Sweating**: Profuse sweating, even if the environment is cool.
3. **Trembling or shaking**: Often uncontrollable shaking or trembling.
4. **Shortness of breath**: Feeling like you can't get enough air or feeling smothered.
5. **Feelings of choking**: Sensation of being choked or having difficulty swallowing.
6. **Chest pain or discomfort**: Often described as a sharp or dull pain in the chest area.
7. **Nausea or abdominal distress**: Upset stomach, churning sensation, or diarrhea.
8. **Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint**: Feeling unsteady, dizzy, or like you might pass out.
9. **Feelings of unreality or detachment**: Feeling detached from oneself or from reality.
10. **Fear of losing control or going crazy**: Feeling like you are losing control of yourself or your surroundings.
11. **Fear of dying**: Feeling like you are dying or that something terrible is going to happen.
Panic attacks can be extremely frightening because they often feel like a heart attack or a life-threatening situation. They can occur in response to a stressful event or situation, but sometimes they happen without an obvious trigger. People who experience panic attacks may develop a fear of having another attack, which can lead to avoiding situations where an attack has occurred before.