What is a Panic Attack?

According to the DSM-IV-TR, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms:

1. palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
   
2. sweating
   
3. trembling or shaking
   
4. sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
   
5. feeling of choking
   
6. chest pain or discomfort
   
7. nausea or abdominal distress
   
8. feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
   
9. feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
   
10. fear of losing control or going crazy
    
11. fear of dying
    
12. numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)
    
13. chills or hot flushes

The presence of fewer than four of the above symptoms may be considered a limited-symptom panic attack.