What does a panic attack feel like?

Recently, Claire has experienced several situations in which she felt out of control. The first instance occurred while she was grocery shopping. She suddenly became aware that her heart was beating rapidly. Her breathing became shallow and labored. She immediately abandoned her shopping cart and was overwhelmed with the thought, “I have to get out of here.” Another time, Claire became terrified while driving. She felt dizzy and lightheaded. Her vision became blurred and her hands began to sweat profusely. She was consumed with the desire to get out of her car, yet she believed that she had lost all ability to safely pull over. She became convinced that she was about to die. These two events have made Claire afraid to live aspects of her life that she once took for granted. She worries that this fear will incapacitate her, and she worries about the effects of these episodes on her health and her family.

Claire suffers from panic attacks. A panic attack causes the fastest and most complex reaction known within the human body. The symptoms of panic attack include immediate alteration of the functioning of the eyes, several major glands, the brain, the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, pancreas, kidneys and bladder, and the major muscle groups. The cardiovascular system in launched into overdrive, and the rate of respiration increases. The metabolism is increased, and excess amounts of sugars and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream. This physical response can lead to emotional responses such as the belief that one is dying. Generally speaking, the more physical symptoms one has during an attack, the more emotionally devastating a panic attack can be.

It is often difficult to predict when or determine why a panic attack occurs. Since these episodes are so terrifying, people often avoid any activity that may lead to an attack. Panic attack symptoms can have a dramatic impact on one’s life.