What does a panic attack feel like?
A panic attack usually feels like a wave of fear that arrives fast, often without an obvious trigger, and brings strong body sensations with it. Many people say it feels like something is badly wrong with their heart or breathing. The NHS describes it as a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms.
Commonly reported experiences include:
- A pounding or racing heartbeat
- Chest pain or tightness, and feeling short of breath
- Sweating, trembling or shaking
- Feeling dizzy, faint or sick
- Numbness or pins and needles
- A sense of dread, or feeling detached from your body
Is a panic attack the same as panic disorder?
No. A panic attack is a single episode. Panic disorder is a condition where panic attacks happen regularly and unexpectedly, followed by at least a month of persistent worry about having another one. The NIMH describes a panic attack as a one-time or occasional episode, so having one does not by itself mean you have panic disorder.
With panic disorder, the fear of the next attack can start to shape your day. People may avoid the metro, crowded bazaars, driving or long meetings because an attack once happened there. The NHS calls this living in "fear of fear".
How can panic affect daily life?
When attacks are frequent, the biggest effect is often avoidance rather than the attacks themselves. Avoiding places and situations can shrink work, study and family life. Because the symptoms can feel like a heart problem, some people go to hospital during an attack.
The NIMH notes that panic attacks can feel like a heart attack. That fear is understandable, and it is why a medical check matters the first time. Once a doctor has ruled out a physical cause, therapy can help you respond to the sensations differently. Our longer guide covers what to do in the middle of an attack.
What makes panic attacks more likely?
There is rarely a single cause. The NHS notes that cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking may reduce attacks, which suggests these can make things worse for some people. Ongoing stress and other anxiety problems are also common alongside panic. Because several medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, a doctor may examine you to rule out a physical cause.
What kinds of support help?
Talking therapy works well for panic. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the main talking therapy the NHS recommends for panic disorder, and the WHO says CBT has the most evidence across anxiety disorders. Therapy helps you understand the panic cycle and gradually stop avoiding the things you fear.
For some people a doctor or psychiatrist may also suggest medication. That is a decision to make with a doctor who has assessed you. Slow breathing and regular exercise may help alongside treatment.
Our GAD-7 anxiety test was designed for generalised anxiety, not panic. A 2007 primary care study found it also flags possible panic disorder, so it can be a reasonable first check, but it cannot tell you whether you have panic disorder.
What are common misconceptions about panic attacks?
Panic attacks are not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith, and they are not "just in your head". The body sensations are real. Avoiding every possible trigger can feel safer, but it can leave you living in fear of fear. Panic responds well to treatment, especially CBT.
When to seek professional support
- Call Rescue 1122 straight away if you have chest pain that is sudden and does not go away, pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, stomach or back, or chest pain with sweating, sickness, light-headedness or breathlessness. Do not assume it is panic, especially if it is your first episode.
- See a doctor if you have had a first panic-like episode, so a physical cause can be ruled out.
- Talk to a therapist if attacks keep coming, if you worry about the next one, or if you have started avoiding places or activities.
- If you are thinking about harming yourself, call Rescue 1122 or Taskeen on 0316-8275336 now.
