Panic attacks can be triggered by a specific situation or object, or they can occur unexpectedly. They usually occur in the context of an overall heightened level of chronic anxiety or stress.
During a panic attack, the body's "fight-or-flight" response is triggered, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This can cause the physical symptoms mentioned above. The emotional symptoms can be just as distressing, with feelings of intense fear, anxiety, loss of control, going crazy, or that you're dying.
Panic attacks are usually short-lived, lasting around 5-20 minutes, but they can be very distressing and disruptive.
Panic attacks are uncomfortable, but not dangerous. Just because you had one panic attack does not mean they will continue to occur. Sometimes people will only experience them once or twice in their lifetime. For others, they may occur only during periods of heightened stress.
It is common for people who experience a panic attack to end up going to the Emergency Room as they fear the onset of a severe medical condition. This is understandable considering the intensity of the symptoms. There is nothing wrong with having a medical checkup to rule out actual physical illness, but if the panic occurs again after being checked out, you may view the attack with less fear and the knowledge that it is not dangerous.
Methods to reduce or eliminate future panic attacks: