Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart pounds and you can’t breathe. A panic attack may be a one-time occurrence, but many people experience repeat episodes. Recurrent panic attacks are often triggered by a specific situation, such as crossing a bridge or speaking in public—especially if that situation has caused a panic attack before.

A panic attack is a rush of intense psychological and physical manifestations. These symptoms of panic can be frightening and happen abruptly. The physical symptoms of a panic attack are caused by your body going into "fight or flight" mode in response to something you think is a threat. As well as psychological symptoms, you may also experience physical symptoms of panic, such as a sensation that your heart is beating irregularly (palpitations), sweating, trembling, shortness of breath (hyperventilation), a choking sensation, chest pain, feeling sick.

Related Journals of Panic Attacks

Neuropsychiatry, Mental illness and treatment, Dementia & Mental health, International Journal of Mental Health & Psychiatry, Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Behaviour Research and Therapy, Depression and Anxiety, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics