Panic Attack

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks are a type of fear response. They’re an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to danger, stress, or excitement.

What do panic attacks feel like?

During a panic attack, physical symptoms can build up very quickly. These can include:

• a pounding or racing heartbeat.
• feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headed
• feeling very hot or very cold
• sweating, trembling or shaking
• nausea (feeling sick)
• pain in your chest or abdomen
• struggling to breathe or feeling like you’re choking.
  
  

During a panic attack, you might feel very afraid that you’re:

• losing control
• going to faint
• having a heart attack
• going to die.
  
  

What causes Panic Attacks?

Everyone’s experience of anxiety is different, so it’s hard to know exactly what causes anxiety problems. There are probably lots of factors involved such as:

• past or childhood experiences
• your current life situation
• physical and mental health problems
• drugs and medication