(Sandra Sylvia Casabianca/ Psych Central) — Your heart’s racing, it’s hard to breathe, and you can’t think straight — these could be some of the intense symptoms of a panic attack.
A panic attack is an episode of sudden anxiety with an exaggerated bodily response to a threat or danger — whether it’s real or perceived.
This sudden surge of intense fear or anxiety brings on specific physical and psychological symptoms. These often reach peak intensity in just a few minutes.
Panic attack symptoms can directly respond to something shocking or scary, but they can also happen without any apparent reason. Understandably, the suddenness and lack of control can make them feel overwhelming and frightening. (…)