What characterizes a panic attack?

A panic attack is characterized by an abrupt onset of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and is associated with a number of physical symptoms. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and sensations of choking, among others. The feeling of impending doom or intense dread is a hallmark of a panic attack, which sets it apart from other anxiety-related conditions.

This recognition of intense fear accompanied by physical manifestations is critical in understanding panic attacks. The experience is often so acute that individuals may feel as though they are losing control or having a heart attack, which significantly impacts their daily functioning and mental well-being. Such physiological responses and intense feelings of dread fundamentally define panic attacks and distinguish them from other forms of anxiety or phobias.