"panic attack"

Definition: Unexpected and often repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by multiple symptoms that may include:

• chest pain
• heart palpitations
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• choking sensations
• sweating
• tingling
• chills
• hot flashes
• trembling
• abdominal distress
• feelings of unreality - derealization or depersonalization
• fear of dying
• fear of going insane

These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition), panic attacks begin abruptly, include four or more symptoms, and reach a peak in 10 minutes. However, the length of time may vary with each individual.

Repeated panic attacks may lead to panic disorder but may also occur with social anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders.

To find out whether or not you have experienced the symptoms of a panic attack, take the Panic Attacks Screening Test.

Return to The Panic Disorder Glossary

_Sources:

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Also Known As: PA, anxiety attack