Panic attack

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of a Panic Attack

A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming surge of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions. It can be frightening, as the physical symptoms may feel like a heart attack. They can be triggered by a specific event. While panic disorder is a mental health condition involving recurrent, unexpected out of the blue panic attacks and constant worry about having more. Not everyone who has a panic attack will develop panic disorder. Common characteristics may include:

• Pounding or racing heart
• Sweating or chills
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation
• Chest pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• A feeling of being out of control or “going crazy”.
• Fear of dying or impending doom.
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself (depersonalization or derealization).
• The intense fear and physical symptoms subside after a short time.
• A single panic attack is not considered a mental disorder.