What happens during a panic attack?
If you get a panic attack, you suddenly feel terrified for no reason. You may even feel as though the world is going to end or you’re going to die. Your heart may pound. And you may feel sweaty or find it hard to catch your breath. You may also feel dizzy and start to tremble. Doctors aren’t certain why some people get panic attacks. People tend to start getting panic attacks in their late teens or early 20s. Women get them more often than men. If the fear of having a panic attack is stopping you from living life normally, you may have what doctors call panic disorder. What are the symptoms? Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly, or when you feel anxious about a situation.Your doctor might say you have had a panic attack if you have had at least four of these symptoms: • Having a racing, pounding or skipping heart beat • Feeling breathless • Having chest pain • Getting a dry mouth • Sweating • Feeling dizzy • Feeling sick (nauseous) • Feeling tingly or numb • Getting chills or hot flus
