🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Book online now](https://thriveworks.com/app/providers) or call when we open at 12:00PM. We’re open until Book online or call us at [(833) 966-4233](<tel:(833) 966-4233>) - [About us](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Education](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Log in](https://thriveworks.com/login?wp=1) - [username](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [useremail](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Dashboard](https://thriveworks.com/app/patient/dashboard/home) - [Sessions](https://thriveworks.com/app/patient/dashboard/sessions/upcoming) - [Fireside Courses](https://thriveworks.com/app/patient/dashboard/fireside) - [Account](https://thriveworks.com/app/patient/dashboard/account/settings) - [Mental health topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-topics/) - [Log out](https://thriveworks.com/app/logout) - [username](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [useremail](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Dashboard](https://thriveworks.com/app/support/dashboard) - [Mental health topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-topics/) - [Log out](https://thriveworks.com/app/logout) - [username](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [useremail](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Dashboard](https://thriveworks.com/app/support/dashboard) - [Mental health topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-topics/) - [Log out](https://thriveworks.com/app/logout) - [username](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [useremail](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Mental health topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-topics/) - [Log out](https://thriveworks.com/app/logout) - [GET CARE](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Therapy](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Psychiatry & medication](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [EXPLORE](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Insurance & pricing](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) - [Locations](https://thriveworks.com/find-counselor/) - [Refer a patient](https://thriveworks.com/refer/) - [Find care](https://thriveworks.com/app/search-questionnaire "Find care")  Explore next steps to improve your mental health. [Get help for anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) Identifying panic attack symptoms: How to know when you’re having a panic attack  Get award-winning, expert mental health care Thriveworks has earned 65+ awards (and counting) for our leading therapy and psychiatry services.  Cover the majority of the cost with your insurance We’re in network with most major insurances – accepting 585+ insurance plans, covering 190 million people nationwide.  Work with your therapist online or in person Thriveworks offers flexible and convenient therapy services, available both online and in-person nationwide, with psychiatry services accessible in select states.  Book online Find the right provider for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online. [Find care](https://thriveworks.com/app/providers?lcounselingType%5B%5D=fa040321-294c-4d0a-8c05-ac94a3797697&counselingType%5B%5D=fa040321-294c-4d0a-8c05-ac94a3797697&areaOfConcern%5B%5D=496a962e-9a3e-4cb1-afbd-3a6a31fed4ae) Call to book If you need assistance booking, we’ll be happy to help — our support team is available 7 days a week. [Call (833) 966-4233](<tel:(833) 966-4233>) Discover more [Anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/)[Mental Health Topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-topics/) 4 min read · Published Nov 17, 2022 # Identifying panic attack symptoms: How to know when you’re having a panic attack Writer:[Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/)Medical review:[Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP](https://thriveworks.com/expert/tamiqua-jackson/) [Fact-checked]() [Why trust Thriveworks?]() What does "fact-checked" mean? × Our [clinical and medical experts](https://thriveworks.com/mental-health-experts/), ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our [editorial policy](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-policy/) for more information. Close Why you can trust Thriveworks × Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. We are clinician-founded and clinician-led. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement. We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better. First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more. We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information. Close EXPLORE NEXT STEPS [Browse more Anxiety articles](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/) [Get help for anxiety]() Highlights  - Panic attacks are moments of intense fear and panic that can occur at any time. They can make you feel like you are about to die or like you’re losing control, and usually last for 10 minutes or less. - Having panic attacks are different from having panic disorder, though frequent panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder. - Heart problems, thyroid problems, panic disorder or other [anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/anxiety-therapy/) disorders, and significant life changes and stressors are all possible reasons for having panic attacks. - Panic attacks are accompanied by feelings of anxiety, impending doom, and surrealness, as well as physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, tingling in the hands and fingers, and chest pain. - Treatment for panic attacks depends on what might be causing them. Two of the most common treatment options for panic attack symptoms are talk therapy and medications. Have you ever had moments of overwhelming fear and anxiety for seemingly no reason? Maybe you felt intense amounts of dread and thought you might be having a heart attack. Though panic attacks aren’t lethal, they can certainly feel that way. [Panic attacks](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021) are defined as a sudden surge of fear, panic, and discomfort, accompanied by severe physical symptoms, that lasts for a few minutes. Panic attacks can be triggered by certain places or situations, or they may have no apparent triggers. They can be hard to predict, as the reaction is out of proportion to the situations they occur in. **Panic attacks are not an** [**anxiety disorder**](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-disorders/)**, but rather a symptom that anxiety disorders can have, though they have other causes as well.** Having a panic attack does not automatically mean that you have an anxiety disorder, either, but they could be a sign of a larger problem.  ## **Why Do People Have Panic Attacks?** Many factors can cause panic attacks. **If your panic attacks are frequent,** [**panic disorder**](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/disorders/panic-disorder/) **could be the cause.** It’s unclear why exactly panic disorder develops, though it’s two times more likely that women will develop panic disorder than men. Some evidence also suggests that panic disorder runs in families, though there’s no telling why it pops up in specific family members and not others. You may have a biological vulnerability to panic attacks, causing them to flare up during big changes or stressors in your life. Panic attacks can also be a product of heart or thyroid problems, which is why it’s important to speak with a medical professional about your symptoms and get proper testing.  ### Keep up-to-date on the latest in mental health Tap into the wisdom of our experts — subscribe for exclusive wellness tips and insights. ### Blog signup for Active Campaign (blog page) ## **What Are 13 Signs of a Panic Attack?** There is a wide variety of symptoms people experience during panic attacks. Limited-symptom panic attacks will include fewer than four symptoms, with most full-strength panic attacks having more than four. **Here are 13 examples of panic-attack symptoms**: - High levels of anxiety with no discernible cause - Racing heartbeat - Shaking and trembling - Impending sense of dread or terror, fear of dying - Sweating, chills - Upset stomach - Tingling and numbness in the hands - Chest pain - Lightheadedness or dizziness - Shortness of breath - A feeling of surrealness or detachment - Feeling like you’re losing control - Hot flashes Panic attacks generally last less than 10 minutes, but they can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. They are also not life threatening, despite how they might feel. Most people that experience panic attacks may only have one to two in their lifetime, [happening as often as every day or a few times a year](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms). If they are more frequent, they could be the result of an underlying anxiety disorder, though the cause could also be due to large lifestyle changes or new stressors in your life. ## **What Do Panic Attacks Feel Like?** Panic attacks can feel like life-or-death situations, though they are not physically harmful. Often, people having a panic attack think that they could be having a heart attack, or might even be dying. There is an overwhelming sense of losing control that can make your surroundings feel almost surreal. Most people experience pain around their chest, which differentiates them from heart attacks since the pain does not move down the left arm. Your heart rate will be rapid, and you might feel nauseous until the attack ends—usually less than 10 minutes after it starts. ## **What Are 2 Types of Panic Attacks?** There are two distinct types of panic attacks: expected and unexpected panic attacks. Expected panic attacks occur in situations involving specific cues or triggers that you were previously aware of. For example, someone with an intense fear of heights might expect to have an attack when exposed to great heights. The other, unexpected panic attacks, could happen at any time. They aren’t necessarily indicative of any internal or external cues, which is what can make the fear of having more panic attacks feel so restrictive. ### **What Is the Difference Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack?** Though the symptoms of a panic attack vs. anxiety attack are very similar, they are not quite the same. **Panic attacks are usually more intense than anxiety attacks, and can also happen with or without triggers.** Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, occur as a response to a perceived threat. Another thing panic attacks can get confused for is panic disorder. **Panic attacks are just a symptom of panic disorder, and do not necessarily indicate that someone has panic disorder.** Unless they are having regular episodes and have a deep fear of having more, it likely is not panic disorder. ## **How Do I Prevent Myself from Experiencing Panic Attacks?** There isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent yourself from having panic attacks. However, there are certainly treatment options that could help lessen the amount that you have, perhaps stopping them for an extended period of time. The first step is to talk to a doctor about your panic attacks. They will be able to tell you whether you might have panic disorder, or suggest treatment based on the frequency and intensity of your attacks. Since panic attacks can be attributed to multiple factors, it’s wise to get a full physical exam, blood tests to see if they could be due to heart or thyroid issues, and a psychological evaluation to assess what your mental state is and what stressors may have come into your life and may be affecting your mental health. As for treatment, both medication and psychotherapy are common methods of treating symptoms like panic attacks. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be a great way to help unearth any troubles that could be causing your attacks and give you [coping strategies to help you deal with them](https://thriveworks.com/blog/how-do-you-deal-with-panic-attack/). It’s usually the first line of care for panic attacks. If therapy seems like it might not be enough and you need more immediate relief, your doctor might prescribe medications to help with your panic attack symptoms. [Antidepressants](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/depression/depression-medication/) like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly recommended for people with panic attacks, and benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative, can be taken on a short-term basis. If your panic attacks feel unpredictable and are keeping you from living your life as you normally would, reach out to someone who can help. You don’t have to manage these symptoms on your own—contact your doctor, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional and get a treatment plan set up that’s right for you. Panic attack symptoms, while not curable, are certainly treatable through therapy and medication. Explore next steps [Browse more Anxiety articles](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/) [Get help for anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/) Stay well-informed on your mental wellness  Tap into the wisdom of our experts — subscribe for exclusive wellness tips and insights, delivered straight to your inbox. Recent anxiety articles [View all](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/%20https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/)  [12 min read How to deal with all your very reasonable travel anxiety right now](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/travel-anxiety/)  [8 min read Somatic therapy exercises: What to try when your body won’t calm down](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/somatic-therapy-exercises/)  [9 min read How to manage anxiety: Quick relief and long-term strategies](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-is-anxiety/)  [Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP](https://thriveworks.com/expert/tamiqua-jackson/)Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [See Tamiqua's availability](https://thriveworks.com/provider/nc/tamiqua-jackson) Tamiqua Jackson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Tamiqua has over 8 years of experience in advanced practice. She enjoys working with patients who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues that may affect everyday life. Tamiqua is compassionate and serves as a patient advocate.  [Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/)Mental Health Writer Discover Hannah DeWitt’s background and expertise, and explore their expert articles they’ve either written or contributed to on mental health and well-being. Discover more [fear](https://thriveworks.com/blog/tag/fear/) [panic attacks](https://thriveworks.com/blog/tag/panic-attacks/) [panic disorder](https://thriveworks.com/blog/tag/panic-disorder/) Popular anxiety articles Previous [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/vagus-nerve-exercises/) 12 min read [12 science-backed vagus nerve exercises for anxiety relief](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/vagus-nerve-exercises/) [Angela Myers](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/angelamyers/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-nausea/) 7 min read [Anxiety nausea: A comprehensive guide to physical symptoms, coping methods, and treatment options](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-nausea/) [Sarah Barness](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/sarahbarness/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-is-3-3-3-rule-for-anxiety/) 9 min read [What is the 333 rule for anxiety? How this simple grounding technique works](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-is-3-3-3-rule-for-anxiety/) [Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-are-anxiety-tics-and-how-to-treat-them/) 6 min read [What are anxiety tics, and how can I treat them?](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-are-anxiety-tics-and-how-to-treat-them/) [Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-symptoms/) 8 min read [Anxiety symptoms: DSM-5 criteria, triggers, physical effects, and more](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-symptoms/) [Jason Crosby](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/jasoncro/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/separation-anxiety-disorder/) 6 min read [Separation anxiety disorder: Signs, causes, treatment, & more](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/separation-anxiety-disorder/) [Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/medication/anxiety-medications-safe-during-pregnancy/) 3 min read [Medication-related pregnancy questions: What anxiety prescriptions are safe during pregnancy?](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/medication/anxiety-medications-safe-during-pregnancy/) [Jason Crosby](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/jasoncro/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/functional-freeze/) 8 min read [Functional freeze explained: Why you’re exhausted, disconnected, and still getting things done](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/functional-freeze/) [Angela Myers](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/angelamyers/) [](https://thriveworks.com/blog/what-are-the-5-most-common-phobias-is-your-biggest-fear-on-the-list/) 5 min read [Phobias: Common types, symptoms, treatment, and more](https://thriveworks.com/blog/what-are-the-5-most-common-phobias-is-your-biggest-fear-on-the-list/) [Taylor Bennett](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/taylorbennett/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder/) 5 min read [Generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms and effective treatment options](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder/) [Jason Crosby](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/jasoncro/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/social-anxiety-disorder/) 6 min read [Social anxiety disorder: An informative guide to social phobia](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/social-anxiety-disorder/) [Jason Crosby](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/jasoncro/) [](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/agoraphobia/) 6 min read [Agoraphobia guide: Symptoms, triggers, and treatment](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/agoraphobia/) [Hannah DeWitt](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-team/hannahdewitt/) Next 3 of 12 pages No comments yet Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at [988](tel:988) or use [these resources to get immediate help.](https://thriveworks.com/immediate-help/) COVERAGE - [Insurance & pricing](https://thriveworks.com/pricing/) - [Aetna](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/aetna/) - [Anthem](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/anthem/) - [Medicare](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/medicare/) - [Blue Cross Blue Shield](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/blue-cross-blue-shield/) - [Cigna](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/cigna/) - [Humana](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/humana/) - [Tricare West](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/tricare-west/) - [United Healthcare](https://thriveworks.com/insurance/united-healthcare-optum/) TALK THERAPY - [Individual therapy](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/individual-therapy/) - [Couples & marriage therapy](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/couples-marriage-therapy/) - [Child & teen therapy](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/child-teen-therapy/) - [Family therapy](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/family-therapy/) - [Online therapy](https://thriveworks.com/online-counseling/) - [Therapists near me](https://thriveworks.com/therapists) MEDICATION - [Psychiatry & medication](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/) - [Antidepressants](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/antidepressants/) - [Anti-anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/anti-anxiety-medications/) - [Antipsychotics](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/antipsychotic-medications/) - [Mood stabilizers](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/mood-stabilizers/) - [Non-stimulants](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/non-stimulant-adhd-medications/) - [Stimulants](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/stimulant-adhd-medications/) - [View all medications](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatry/) - [Psychiatry NPs near me](https://thriveworks.com/psychiatrists) SPECIALTIES & APPROACHES - [Anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/anxiety-therapy/) - [ADHD](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/adhd-therapy/) - [Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt/) - [Depression](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/depression-counseling/) - [Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/dialectical-behavioral-therapy-dbt/) - [Grief & loss](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/grief-loss-counseling/) - [Relational therapy](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/relational-therapy/) - [View all](https://thriveworks.com/find-help/individual-therapy/) THRIVEWORKS - [About Us](https://thriveworks.com/professional-counseling/) - [FAQ](https://thriveworks.com/faq/) - [Editorial policy](https://thriveworks.com/editorial-policy/) - [Press](https://thriveworks.com/press/) - [Locations](https://thriveworks.com/find-counselor/) - [Reviews](https://thriveworks.com/professional-counseling/reviews-and-testimonials/) EDUCATION - [Relationships](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/relationships/) - [Anxiety](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/) - [Children & Teens](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/children-teens-adolescents/) - [Grief & Loss](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/grief-loss/) - [View more topics](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-awareness/) BUSINESS - [Partnerships](https://thriveworks.com/partners/) - [Refer a patient](https://thriveworks.com/refer/) Get in Touch - [Contact us](https://thriveworks.com/contact-thriveworks/) - [(855) 204-2767](tel:\(855\)%20204-2767) - [Careers We’re Hiring\!](https://thriveworks.com/careers/) In crisis or need immediate help? Call [988](tel:988) or go to your nearest ER  ## Get the latest mental wellness tips & discussions, straight to your inbox Free, and no spam ever. Unsubscribe anytime. - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thriveworks/) - [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thriveworks) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Thriveworks) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/c/Thriveworks) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveworks) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Thriveworks) All copyrights for logos are owned by their respective companies. © 2026 Thriveworks Administrative Services, LLC Our sessions are subject to availability. Check back often. - [Privacy & Terms](https://thriveworks.com/privacy-policy-terms-use/) - [Request Medical records](https://thriveworks.com/medical-records-request/) [](https://www.legitscript.com/websites/?checker_keywords=thriveworks.com)  [Call now](<tel:(833) 966-4242>) or, [Book online](https://thriveworks.com/app/providers) [Find care ...](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms/)  ### Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. [Call (833) 966-4233](<tel:(833) 966-4233>) Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. [Find care](https://thriveworks.com/app/search-questionnaire) Notifications

Have you ever had moments of overwhelming fear and anxiety for seemingly no reason? Maybe you felt intense amounts of dread and thought you might be having a heart attack. Though panic attacks aren’t lethal, they can certainly feel that way. [Panic attacks](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021) are defined as a sudden surge of fear, panic, and discomfort, accompanied by severe physical symptoms, that lasts for a few minutes. Panic attacks can be triggered by certain places or situations, or they may have no apparent triggers. They can be hard to predict, as the reaction is out of proportion to the situations they occur in. **Panic attacks are not an** [**anxiety disorder**](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/anxiety-disorders/)**, but rather a symptom that anxiety disorders can have, though they have other causes as well.** Having a panic attack does not automatically mean that you have an anxiety disorder, either, but they could be a sign of a larger problem.  ## **Why Do People Have Panic Attacks?** Many factors can cause panic attacks. **If your panic attacks are frequent,** [**panic disorder**](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/disorders/panic-disorder/) **could be the cause.** It’s unclear why exactly panic disorder develops, though it’s two times more likely that women will develop panic disorder than men. Some evidence also suggests that panic disorder runs in families, though there’s no telling why it pops up in specific family members and not others. You may have a biological vulnerability to panic attacks, causing them to flare up during big changes or stressors in your life. Panic attacks can also be a product of heart or thyroid problems, which is why it’s important to speak with a medical professional about your symptoms and get proper testing.  ### Keep up-to-date on the latest in mental health Tap into the wisdom of our experts — subscribe for exclusive wellness tips and insights. ## **What Are 13 Signs of a Panic Attack?** There is a wide variety of symptoms people experience during panic attacks. Limited-symptom panic attacks will include fewer than four symptoms, with most full-strength panic attacks having more than four. **Here are 13 examples of panic-attack symptoms**: - High levels of anxiety with no discernible cause - Racing heartbeat - Shaking and trembling - Impending sense of dread or terror, fear of dying - Sweating, chills - Upset stomach - Tingling and numbness in the hands - Chest pain - Lightheadedness or dizziness - Shortness of breath - A feeling of surrealness or detachment - Feeling like you’re losing control - Hot flashes Panic attacks generally last less than 10 minutes, but they can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. They are also not life threatening, despite how they might feel. Most people that experience panic attacks may only have one to two in their lifetime, [happening as often as every day or a few times a year](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms). If they are more frequent, they could be the result of an underlying anxiety disorder, though the cause could also be due to large lifestyle changes or new stressors in your life. ## **What Do Panic Attacks Feel Like?** Panic attacks can feel like life-or-death situations, though they are not physically harmful. Often, people having a panic attack think that they could be having a heart attack, or might even be dying. There is an overwhelming sense of losing control that can make your surroundings feel almost surreal. Most people experience pain around their chest, which differentiates them from heart attacks since the pain does not move down the left arm. Your heart rate will be rapid, and you might feel nauseous until the attack ends—usually less than 10 minutes after it starts. ## **What Are 2 Types of Panic Attacks?** There are two distinct types of panic attacks: expected and unexpected panic attacks. Expected panic attacks occur in situations involving specific cues or triggers that you were previously aware of. For example, someone with an intense fear of heights might expect to have an attack when exposed to great heights. The other, unexpected panic attacks, could happen at any time. They aren’t necessarily indicative of any internal or external cues, which is what can make the fear of having more panic attacks feel so restrictive. ### **What Is the Difference Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack?** Though the symptoms of a panic attack vs. anxiety attack are very similar, they are not quite the same. **Panic attacks are usually more intense than anxiety attacks, and can also happen with or without triggers.** Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, occur as a response to a perceived threat. Another thing panic attacks can get confused for is panic disorder. **Panic attacks are just a symptom of panic disorder, and do not necessarily indicate that someone has panic disorder.** Unless they are having regular episodes and have a deep fear of having more, it likely is not panic disorder. ## **How Do I Prevent Myself from Experiencing Panic Attacks?** There isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent yourself from having panic attacks. However, there are certainly treatment options that could help lessen the amount that you have, perhaps stopping them for an extended period of time. The first step is to talk to a doctor about your panic attacks. They will be able to tell you whether you might have panic disorder, or suggest treatment based on the frequency and intensity of your attacks. Since panic attacks can be attributed to multiple factors, it’s wise to get a full physical exam, blood tests to see if they could be due to heart or thyroid issues, and a psychological evaluation to assess what your mental state is and what stressors may have come into your life and may be affecting your mental health. As for treatment, both medication and psychotherapy are common methods of treating symptoms like panic attacks. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be a great way to help unearth any troubles that could be causing your attacks and give you [coping strategies to help you deal with them](https://thriveworks.com/blog/how-do-you-deal-with-panic-attack/). It’s usually the first line of care for panic attacks. If therapy seems like it might not be enough and you need more immediate relief, your doctor might prescribe medications to help with your panic attack symptoms. [Antidepressants](https://thriveworks.com/help-with/depression/depression-medication/) like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly recommended for people with panic attacks, and benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative, can be taken on a short-term basis. If your panic attacks feel unpredictable and are keeping you from living your life as you normally would, reach out to someone who can help. You don’t have to manage these symptoms on your own—contact your doctor, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional and get a treatment plan set up that’s right for you. Panic attack symptoms, while not curable, are certainly treatable through therapy and medication.