A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or discomfort accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder, but they’re not the same thing. A panic attack isn’t a mental disorder; it is a symptom. It can occur as part of a mental disorder, such as anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder, or due to a medical condition, or because of a drug or medication.[1]
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines a panic attack as:[1]
An abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time four (or more) of the following symptoms occur:
Note: The abrupt surge can occur from a calm state or an anxious state.
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
- Feelings of choking.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
- Chills or heat sensations.
- Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
- Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
- Fear of dying.