A panic attack is a short period of intense fear, usually lasting 10 minutes or less, when no actual danger is present. Although some people may mistake panic attacks for common anxiety, the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that in order for the episode to be classified as a panic attack, you must have at least four of the 13 main panic attack symptoms.
Depersonalization or Derealization
Depersonalization is the sense that you are outside of your body looking in, and that whatever is happening to your body is not really happening to you. A feeling of derealization, or an altered view of the external world that seems strange or unreal, also can occur.
Fear of Losing Control
Because the feelings of fear and the physical symptoms of a panic attack can be so intense, you may mistakenly conclude that you will not be able to control yourself. Many people will have an intense fear of "going crazy" or losing control, particularly when the panic attack is occurring in front of others.
Fear of Dying
Many people will feel as if they are about to die or feel an irrational sense of doom while the panic attack is occurring. The urge to run away or escape may be triggered by these feelings as well, a HelpGuide.org report says.
Trembling or Shaking
Slight, unintentional muscle movements called tremors or quivers also can occur during a panic attack. Some people may notice their hands are unsteady, while others may feel their entire body shake and tremble.
Shortness of Breath
During a panic attack, many people will find it difficult to breathe normally or feel as if their body is not getting enough air.
Feeling of Choking
The feeling that something is stuck in the throat is another symptom of a panic attack. This choking sensation usually occurs simultaneously with the shortness of breath symptom.
Heart Palpitations or Chest Pain
Many people experiencing a panic attack will have an abnormal awareness of how their heart is beating. It may seem as though their heart is racing, skipping a beat or beating too strenuously. Some people have mistaken a panic attack for a heart attack due to the intense feeling of pain or discomfort in the chest. Although this is a common symptom of a panic attack, seek medical attention for severe chest pain to rule out an actual heart condition.
Paresthesias
Paresthesias can also occur during a panic attack. These include a prickling, tingling or numbness sensation of the skin.
Sweating
Sweating or an increase perspiration is another common symptom of a panic attack. This sweating may take place all over the body or just in certain areas, such as on the neck or armpit areas.
Nausea or Upset Stomach
Unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea can also occur during a panic attack.
Dizziness
Feeling light-headed or dizzy is another symptom of a panic disorder. Many times the person will feel the need to sit or stop moving because he will have the sensation that the room is spinning or feel as though he is about to faint.
Chills or Hot Flashes
Feeling very hot or very cold can also occur during a panic attack. This symptom may trigger other symptoms, such as the trembling or sweating, although the symptoms can also happen independently of one another.
References
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV); American Psychiatric Publishing; 2000
- Helpguide.org: Panic Attack Symptoms
