A panic attack is characterized by a sudden and intense episode of fear or discomfort that typically peaks within minutes. Panic attacks often feel as if they are occurring out of the blue and associatd symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath or a choking sensation, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating or chills, nauea, numbess or tingling, feeling detached from reality, and a fear of losing control, going crazy or dying. Although panic attacks may feel life-threatening, they are not dangerous, and typically resolve within a few minutes, although a person may experiencing lingering symptoms of anxiety. Panic Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks and an ongoing fear of having more panic attacks. This fear often leads to significant changes in behavior, including avoiding places or situations due to fear of having a panic attack. Key features of panic disorder include repeated, unexpected panic attacks, persitent worry about having panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors due to fear of having panic attacks that interefere with one’s functioning.
