A panic attack is defined as a sudden attack of intense anxiety or fear. Panic attacks are usually accompanied by physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Although the person experiencing a panic attack may feel like she is having a heart attack, there is no physical or medical cause. Panic attacks are generally unpredictable and happen in a range of situations.
Panic attacks can occur in isolation or may happen repeatedly, in which case they are usually diagnosed as panic disorder. People who suffer with panic disorder develop a fear of having panic attacks and may avoid situations from which escape would be difficult.
Panic attacks sometimes occur in people who have social anxiety disorder (SAD). These attacks are also referred to as anxiety attacks, and differ in that they usually only occur when the person is the center of attention. They also usually resolve themselves once the person is out of the triggering situation.
