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Panic Attack

By Lisa Fritscher, About.com

Updated: February 15, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition: A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, peaking within 10 minutes and featuring at least four of the following symptoms:
  • Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Choking sensation
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea or stomach distress
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Feelings of unreality or depersonalization
  • Fear of going crazy or losing control
  • Fear of dying
  • Hot flushes or chills

Panic attacks are often associated with panic disorder, but situationally-bound panic attacks may occur with phobias even without the presence of panic disorder.

Source:

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

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