What happens during a panic attack?

Panic attacks?: Essentially, panic attacks are the fight or flight response running out of control. It's a fear response without a basis in reality and quite common. Using cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques, panic attacks can be successfully treated in a few sessions 90% of the time. Get your primary care doctor to refer you to a good psychologist.

Agree w Dr. Ragusea: Panic attacks can develop rapidly ; include: marked anxiety; rapid, pounding heart beat; chest tightness or pain; shortness of breath with hyperventilation; hot or cold flashes; a sense of butterflies in the stomach, nausea or even vomiting; tingling of mouth or extremities; increased sweating; feeling faint or lightheaded; headache or shaking. There may be difficulty swallowing or tight throat;.

Panic attack: Sudden intense anxiety or apprehension accompanied by sense of impending doom and other hyper arousal symptoms, either due to medical causes or part of panic disorder.