Panic Attacks

    Researchedby:
    Natalka Roshak

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Katie Jantz
    Last Updated: December 19, 2024

    A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or discomfort accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

    1 reference on this page
    53 participants in 3 trials

    What is a panic attack?

    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.

    1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
    2. Sweating.
    3. Trembling or shaking.
    4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
    5. Feelings of choking.
    6. Chest pain or discomfort.
    7. Nausea or abdominal distress.
    8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
    9. Chills or heat sensations.
    10. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
    11. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
    12. Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
    13. Fear of dying.

    Examine Database: Panic Attacks

    InterventionGradeEffectDetail
    Inositol
    B

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a panic attack?

    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.

    1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
    2. Sweating.
    3. Trembling or shaking.
    4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
    5. Feelings of choking.
    6. Chest pain or discomfort.
    7. Nausea or abdominal distress.
    8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
    9. Chills or heat sensations.
    10. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
    11. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
    12. Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
    13. Fear of dying.

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Inositol - Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin JDouble-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorderJ Clin Psychopharmacol.(2001 Jun)
    2. Inositol - Benjamin J, Nemetz H, Fux M, Bleichman I, Agam GAcute inositol does not attenuate m-CPP-induced anxiety, mydriasis and endocrine effects in panic disorderJ Psychiatr Res.(1997 Jul-Aug)
    3. Inositol - Benjamin J, Levine J, Fux M, Aviv A, Levy D, Belmaker RHDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of inositol treatment for panic disorderAm J Psychiatry.(1995 Jul)