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Panic attacks are the most common symptom associated with the diagnosis of panic disorder. However, they can occur with a variety of anxiety andmood disorders, as well as other medical conditions. Panic attacks can also happen in response to specific events or stressful situations.

Can You Die From a Panic Attack?

Overview

A panic attack can be described as an intense feeling of fear or extreme nervousness that is brought on abruptly. Typically, these feelings of terror and apprehension occur without warning and are disproportionate to any actual threat or danger.

Panic attacks often last for a brief duration. However, the effects of a panic attack can linger for several hours following the initial attack.

Panic attacks involve a combination of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. For example, when experiencing a panic attack, a person may feel embarrassed or distraught over their symptoms. A variety of somatic symptoms can occur, including sweating, shaking, and chest pain.

The person may fear that they might lose control of their body or mind. Overall, these symptoms can lead to feelings of terror, causing the person to want to escape from their situation.

How to Recognize and Cope With Panic Attacks

Diagnosing Panic Attacks

Panic Attack SymptomsChest painChills or hot flushesDerealization or depersonalizationExcessive sweatingFear of dyingFear of losing control or going crazyFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintFeeling of chokingFeelings of numbness or tingling sensationsHeart palpitations or accelerated heart rateNausea or abdominal painShortness of breathTrembling or shaking

Panic Attack Symptoms

Chest painChills or hot flushesDerealization or depersonalizationExcessive sweatingFear of dyingFear of losing control or going crazyFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintFeeling of chokingFeelings of numbness or tingling sensationsHeart palpitations or accelerated heart rateNausea or abdominal painShortness of breathTrembling or shaking

Your doctor will also want to rule out the possibility of any separate medical conditions or related and co-occurring conditions.

Anxiety disordersare among the most common mental health conditions and affect women at about twice the rate of men. Because of this, experts recommend that women and girls over the age of 13 should be routinely screened for anxiety. Panic attacks and anxiety can become worse over time, so earlier interventions are important for improving health and well-being.

The Characteristics of High-Functioning Anxiety

Are All Panic Attacks the Same?

Not all panic attacks are experienced in the same way. The following describes one way panic attacks are categorized:

UncuedUnexpected panic attack that occurs “out of the blue"CuedPanic attack after exposure to trigger (frightening thought or experience)

UncuedUnexpected panic attack that occurs “out of the blue”

Unexpected panic attack that occurs “out of the blue”

CuedPanic attack after exposure to trigger (frightening thought or experience)

Panic attack after exposure to trigger (frightening thought or experience)

An Overview of the Types of Panic Attacks

Do I Have Panic Disorder?

Having panic attacks does not necessarily mean that a person haspanic disorder. People who have panic disorder experience recurring and unexpected panic attacks,but panic attacks are also common among other anxiety disorders, includingsocial anxiety disorder (SAD),post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), andspecific phobias.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

Are Panic Attacks Treatable?

Panic attacks are a treatable symptom. Typically, treatment options will be geared toward the underlying cause and may involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Medications prescribed for symptoms of panic attacks include benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication that can provide rapid relief for panic symptoms and antidepressants that over time decrease the frequency and intensity of panic symptoms. Psychotherapy can help you explore your fears and learn to manage your frightening physical sensations.

Helpful Coping Strategies

There are also numerous self-help strategies forgetting through a panic attack. Some of the more common techniques include:

If you are experiencing panic attacks or think someone else is, it is important that you seek professional help. The sooner you are treated, the more likely you will be able to get some relief and begin to manage your panic attacks.

If you or a loved one are struggling with panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The Best Online Anxiety Support Groups

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, 2013.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, 2013.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, 2013.Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed, 2013.

Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580

National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.

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