Definition: A panic attack is 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
A panic attack is often associated with panic disorder, but a situationally-bound panic attack 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.
Examples: Every time Jill saw a spider in her home, she had a panic attack. Although she knew it was unreasonable, Jill began to shake, sweat, and feel like she was going to die.
