⚡ Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

Panic attacks are sudden waves of intense fear or discomfort that can feel overwhelming and frightening. Even though panic attacks feel dangerous, they are not life-threatening and do not cause permanent harm.

Many people experience a panic attack at least once. Panic disorder is when panic attacks become frequent or lead to ongoing fear of having another one.

❓ What a Panic Attack Is 

A panic attack is a rapid stress response where the body’s alarm system turns on suddenly.

It can happen:

• During stress or anxiety
  
  

• Out of the blue, without warning
  
  

• While resting or sleeping
  
  

Panic attacks usually peak within minutes and then gradually fade.

Brain scan comparison

Heightened brain activity during a panic attack vs. normal balanced brain activity.

Functional imaging research shows increased activity in fear-processing areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and insula, during panic attacks compared with more even activity in a calm, healthy brain 

⚠️ Common Panic Attack Symptoms 

Panic attacks often involve both physical and mental symptoms.

Physical symptoms may include:

• Racing or pounding heart
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

• Chest tightness
  
  

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
  

• Sweating or shaking
  
  

• Nausea
  
  

Mental or emotional symptoms may include:

• Feeling out of control
  
  

• Fear of dying or passing out
  
  

• Feeling detached or unreal
  
  

• Urgent need to escape
  
  

These symptoms are intense but temporary.

🧠 What’s Happening in the Brain 

During a panic attack, the brain’s fear center activates the body’s fight-or-flight response.

This involves:

• Stress chemicals being released quickly
  
  

• Increased heart rate and breathing
  
  

• Heightened body awareness
  
  

The brain mistakenly interprets normal sensations as danger, creating a feedback loop that intensifies the panic.

🔄 Panic Disorder Explained 

Panic disorder is diagnosed when:

• Panic attacks happen repeatedly
  
  

• There is ongoing fear of future attacks
  
  

• Daily life is affected by avoidance or worry
  
  

The fear of panic itself can sometimes trigger more panic attacks.

🩺 How Panic Attacks Are Evaluated 

Panic attacks are usually evaluated through:

• Medical history and symptom discussion
  
  

• Ruling out physical causes (heart, thyroid, breathing issues)
  
  

• Mental health assessment
  
  

There is no single test for panic disorder. Diagnosis focuses on patterns and impact on daily life.

💊 Common Treatment Options 

Panic attacks and panic disorder are very treatable.

Common approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  
  

• Breathing and grounding techniques
  
  

• Medications in some cases
  
  

Many people improve significantly with the right support.

🧘 What Helps During a Panic Attack 

Helpful strategies may include:

• Slow, steady breathing
  
  

• Grounding techniques (naming sights, sounds, textures)
  
  

• Reminding yourself the attack will pass
  
  

Learning what works for your body can reduce fear over time.

🚨 When to Seek Immediate Help 

Seek urgent help if symptoms feel different from usual panic attacks or include new chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath.

If panic includes thoughts of harming yourself or feeling unsafe:

• Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
  
  

• Call 911 in an emergency

➡️ What’s Next 

Panic attacks are frightening, but they are not dangerous and are highly treatable.

You may also want to explore:

Anxiety Disorders

Stress vs Anxiety vs Depression

Sleep & Mental Health

Understanding panic can reduce fear and help break the cycle.