What Is a Panic Attack? Symptoms, Causes, and What It Really Feels Like
- Ann Maria Thomson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Have you ever experienced sudden, unexpected moments of intense fear?
Moments where you felt like you were going to die?
Well, it is most likely that you were not having a heart attack, even though the symptoms felt similar; you were having a panic attack.
Panic attacks often resemble a real heart attack. However, the two are quite different from one another. Understanding the symptoms of a panic attack can help you recognize when it's time to seek professional support.
What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden and unexpected surge of intense fear or discomfort. Panic attacks occur in the absence of an actual threat. There is no immediate danger present, yet the body reacts with overwhelming fear. When panic attacks occur repeatedly, individuals may develop panic disorder.
According to the DSM-5, if a person experiences recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and at least one attack is followed by one month or more of persistent worry about having another attack, concern about its consequences, or significant changes in behavior, it may be diagnosed as panic disorder.
Most panic attacks reach their peak intensity within about 10 minutes and usually subside within 20–30 minutes. While most episodes follow this pattern, some people may experience repeated attacks that make the overall episode feel much longer.
What Causes Panic Attacks?
We are all familiar with the body's fight-or-flight response. This system normally activates when the brain detects danger. Panic attacks use the same biological system—but without an actual threat.
During a panic attack, the body's alarm system activates even when no real danger exists.
Some common causes of panic attacks include:
Stress
Anxiety disorder
Family history of panic attacks
Past trauma
Substance abuse
Caffeine
Certain medications
Thyroid problems or other medical factors
In some people, panic attacks happen without a clear trigger.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
The symptoms of a panic attack are both physical and emotional. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and the intensity may vary from person to person.
Ask yourself these questions:
Does your heart beat very fast or strongly?
Do you suddenly feel warm or start sweating, even when the room is not warm?
Do your hands, legs, or whole body shake without control?
Does it feel difficult to breathe, as if you are not getting enough air?
Do you feel a tightness in your throat or as if breathing or swallowing is blocked?
Do you feel tightness or pain in your chest?
Does your stomach feel upset?
Do you feel weak, dizzy, or like you might pass out?
Do you experience sudden changes in body temperature?
Do you feel numbness in your hands, feet, or face?
Do things around you feel unreal, or do you feel detached from yourself?
Do you feel like you are unable to control your thoughts or actions?
Do you strongly feel that you are going to die or that something life-threatening is happening?
According to DSM 5, a person should unexpectedly experience at least 4 of the symptoms below to be considered a panic attack.
Palpitations or racing heart
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or smothering sensations
Feeling of choking
Chest pain or chest discomfort
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
Chills or heat sensations
Numbness or tingling sensations
Derealization or depersonalization
Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
Fear of dying
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like? Is It Dangerous?
One reason panic attacks are so frightening is that they closely resemble a heart attack or other serious medical emergencies.
Many people visit emergency departments believing they are having a heart attack because their heart races, breathing becomes difficult, their chest hurts, and they feel dizzy, shaky, sweaty, or numb.
A panic attack feels life-threatening while it is happening, but it is usually not physically dangerous by itself.
However, that does not mean it should be ignored.
If you experience these symptoms for the first time, it is important to consult a physician to rule out physical health conditions such as a heart attack or other medical emergencies.
If medical evaluations show no physical illness but the symptoms continue or occur repeatedly, it is important to consult a psychologist, as you may be experiencing panic attacks or panic disorder.
Book your session with Koott today.