Overview

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a physical response to stress or anxiety. Symptoms of a panic attack may be similar to those felt during a heart attack, asthma attack or other medical crisis. If you are having a panic attack, you may experience some or many of these warning signs:

• Shaking or trembling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Abdominal discomfort or nausea
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• A sense that you’re dying
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Chills or hot flashes
• Perspiring or sweaty palms
• Feelings of unreality or detachment from yourself or your environment
• An urge to escape

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to get medical attention immediately to rule out an emergency medical condition.