Panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety. Symptoms include feelings of dying or losing control of oneself, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), and a racing heart.
A person having a panic attack may feel dizzy, sweaty or shaky. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, and an irregular heartbeat.
A panic attack can be triggered by a stressful event or occur unexpectedly. The strength of a panic attack usually peaks within 10 minutes, and most symptoms fade within 30 minutes. Panic attacks can be successfully treated with counseling and medication.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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