Sudden, severe episodes of intense fear and anxiety

Panic attacks occur when a person has sudden feelings of intense fear and anxiety, without warning, when there is no clear cause or danger. Panic attacks usually last only a few minutes. They can occur in otherwise normal, healthy people.

Panic attacks are 2 to 3 times as common in women as they are in men. The average age of the onset of panic attacks varies greatly, but they generally begin in the late teens through the mid-30s. Panic attacks can begin after a divorce or separation.

Physical symptoms that can occur during a panic attack include a feeling of choking or suffocating, chest pain, nausea, shaking, pounding of the heart, and feeling dizzy or faint. Sometimes these symptoms are so severe that the person fears he or she is having a heart attack. Because symptoms of a panic attack can mimic other possible medical problems, such as a heart attack, panic attacks should be evaluated by a health professional.

People who have repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worry about the attacks are said to have a panic disorder. Panic disorders occur throughout the world; in some cultures they involve a fear of witchcraft or magic.

People with panic disorders often fear they are going crazy or losing control. They may develop “anticipatory anxiety” related to fear of the next attack. They may be reluctant to discuss their panic attacks with others.

Self-medication with alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine is common, and many people with panic attacks develop substance abuse problems. People who have panic disorders have an increased risk of suicide attempts.