This frightening experience happens to about 11% of adults in the United States each year.
During a panic attack, the nervous system overreacts to a perceived danger.
This article discusses panic attack symptoms.
Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018.
It explains what a panic attack feels like and possible complications.
It also discusses when to see your healthcare provider about symptoms.
This shaking can then grow to full-body trembling, making it difficult to stand.
Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018.
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
This is another symptom that is due to a miscalculation of the evolutionary fight-or-flight response.
During this response, blood rushes to important organs such as the heart, lungs, and central organs.
This may be the case for people who are in menopause whenhot flashesare often a result of hormone disruptions.
Experiencing a sudden hot flash is uncomfortable and frightening and may actually trigger a panic attack on its own.
Nausea
Nausea is another common symptom of panic attacks.
In rare cases, the nausea may lead to vomiting, although this is less common.
This can help regulate blood pressure and reduce feelings of faintness.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain is one of the most distressing symptoms of panic attacks.
Panic attacks are often mistaken for heart attacks due to chest pain symptoms.
Illustration by Joshua Seong.
However, only a panic attack is defined in the DSM-5 TR and has a list of identifiable symptoms.
Ananxiety attackcan refer to a less intense episode of acute anxiety than a panic attack.
Complications
Unfortunately, there can be complications if a panic attack is not dealt with.
Agoraphobia
Experiencing a panic attack in public or while driving leads to an increased chance of developingagoraphobia.
It can also include the fear of leaving one’s home.
For people with panic attacks, this is due to a fear of experiencing another attack in public.
Agoraphobia can lead to functional disability and limit relationships, work, social life, leisure, and more.
Nevertheless, this is one reason it is important to seek treatment for panic disorder or ongoing panic attacks.
The symptoms of a panic attack peak within a few minutes but may feel like they last an eternity.
In some cases, panic attack symptoms are so severe they mimic a heart attack.
Panicpart of the fight-or-flight responseis a normal reaction in times of extreme stress.
Many people experience these symptoms when unexpected life changes occur.
Left untreated, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder, heart conditions, and avoidance behaviors like agoraphobia.
Panic attacks can be managed with cognitive behavior therapy and anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications.
National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: When fear overwhelms.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders,5th ed., text rev.
(DSM-5 TR).
2015;40(2):107-115. doi:10.1007/s10484-015-9279-8
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Agoraphobia.
An updated systematic review.J Affect Disord.
