Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What are the main symptoms of panic attacks?

313 Answers
Last Updated: 07/19/2023 at 3:11pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am inspired when working with clients, who are facing challenging life experiences, to be able to help them to develop the needed skills to live their best possible life!

Top Rated Answers
Eclipsa93
April 10th, 2020 4:23pm
There are many symptoms of a panic attack and every panic attack may be different. Every person's experience is sometimes also different. Sometimes panic attacks can be serious, sometimes they aren't. In my personal experience, my attacks include, chest pains, feeling like I can't breathe, overwhelming fear, the thought and or feeling that something isn't right, the thought that I may die from doing something, or that I may die in general, the inability to get (or just that i don't want to move, heart racing, sweating, overheating, tingly feelings or numbness, pain in random places, confusion for a few seconds, vision changes, hearing my heartbeat in my ears, irritability, heart pounding, harder heartbeat, the sudden concern about my heart, feeling thumps in my chest, feeling like my heart skipped a beat or took an extra beat, feeling changes in my breathing. I have been to the hospital more than 6 times for this, and each time they say anxiety and panic attacks. They are stressful in itself! But hang in there! Take deep breaths, remove yourself from the situation, meditate and talk to someone professional about them!
hopefulHedgehog007
April 12th, 2020 5:34pm
Personally, I think they’re different for everyone. There’s definitely no ‘wrong’ way to have a panic attack, and some are more extreme than others. For some people, the feelings can be so intense that they experience shortage of breath, dizziness, and extreme anxiety. For others, panic attacks are often met with the feeling of not really being there, like floating above a void, just plain gone (that’s the case for me.) if you think you’re having panic attacks, don’t be afraid to talk to someone, such as a school counselor, a trusted peer, a therapist, or even a 7 Cups listener. You aren’t alone, even though it might feel like it sometimes.
Joey888
April 15th, 2020 12:55pm
Panic attack symptoms can differ person to person, however, common symptoms include: - fast heart rate - sweating - shortness of breath - feeling lightheaded - shaking - feeling sick These are just a few of the symptoms. If you feel that you are experiencing a panic attack, try to take some deep breaths, inhale slowly, hold it, exhale slowly. Find a point in the room or space that you're in and focus on it. You should start to feel calmer and regain control. If you are having issues with anxiety or need someone to talk to, feel free to message me. This is a safe space. Take care and remember to take deep breaths.
kindheartedHope9953
April 15th, 2020 4:34pm
You can only hear your blood rushing in your ears. Often one fixates on one problem only and ignores everything else they might be thinking. Crying is a common sign, even if you don't realize you are crying. Pressure on the chest is often noted. One that hinders your breathing. That often leads to hyperventilating, or the want to hyperventilate. A panic attack often leads to not believing yourself and repeating one thought In your head, while freaking out about it. Panic attacks can induce light sensitivity and headache, furthermore sound sensitivity. A victim will want to get out of a loud and/or light situation.
Anonymous
May 21st, 2020 12:12pm
Panic attacks can be very different from person to person. I have friends who is just unable to move during a panic attack. Sometimes she says that she can't remember why she froze like that and also what happened during that time. My panic attacks are quite the opposite: I feel like I have to vomit, my heart is racing, my hands are sweaty and my legs are shaking. Sometimes I think I can't breathe properly. Usually I feel like there is something wrong with me..That I am about to have a heart attack or my lungs aren't working and I will suffocate. Often times I am also afraid that the situation I am most afraid of is just about to happen: I am usually afraid of having to vomit when people are around me, for example, during a panic attack I always feel nauseous therefore I think that I will have to vomit every minute.
premedgirl
May 30th, 2020 7:45pm
When having a panic attack, you often start experiencing tightness in your chest and/or a difficulty breathing properly. You may start hyperventilating, feel chest pain, get dizzy or light-headed, and your muscles can tense up, particularly around your neck and shoulders. You may also find yourself shaking and/or sweating. Some cognitive symptoms can include intense worries, fears, or even thoughts that you are losing control or dying. Whether you have all of these symptoms or just a few, having a panic attack can be scary, but it is important to remember that these symptoms eventually pass and you can get through them.
Kaysha
June 10th, 2020 11:54am
Panic attacks can show themselves in a several different ways. The most common being faster heart rate, a shortness of breath, chest pains, tremors/shaking and a sudden overwhelming feeling of panic/anxiety. They don't always have physical symptoms however, overwhelming feelings of anxiety alongside rushed thoughts can also occur! The more severe cases have been mistaken as a heart attack by medical professionals- so if you think you've suffered with or are suffering with panic attacks don't let anyone tell you you're overreacting! They can be extremely traumatising and difficult to deal with, and sometimes you can spot triggers in your everyday life- spotting these can help you prevent future attacks.
Charlotte996
June 12th, 2020 12:11am
Panic attacks can present themselves in various ways, but if you're asking for the more overt symptoms, there are a few that tend to occur in most people. I'll list them quickly: - quickened heartbeat - sweating profusely - shaking - nausea - gas - shortness of breath - hot flashes (skin feeling on fire) Each person can experience a panic attack in a different way. Some may display all the above symptoms and say may not even know that they are having a panic attack. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and remember that you are in control. Try to calm yourself and regain control :)
Anonymous
June 20th, 2020 2:21pm
Panic attacks typically come on quickly and seem to appear out of nowhere. There are many symptoms but not all need to be present for it to be considered a panic attack. Some of the symptoms include feeling dizzy, a pounding heart or palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, fear of loss of control, hyperventilation, chest pain, headache, nausea, flashing vision and numbness. There can also be a feeling of impending doom or what can be described as an out of body experience. Panic attacks are short lived and are sometimes confused with a heart attack but unlike a heart attack, panic attacks are not dangerous.
sunshineonarainyday19
June 24th, 2020 8:27pm
Panic attacks are different for everyone however the most common symptoms are, Chest pain, Headache, Sweating, Shaking or Breathlessness. You may feel like your chest is tight or like something heavy is sitting on your chest. You may feel out of breath and feel like you can't catch your breath. you may feel like you need to leave the situation or feel panicked like you have to get out of where you are. If you feel like this you may be having a panic attack. If you feel like you are having panic attacks you may wanna check out our mindfulness excises.
BecauseofOpenMinds
June 26th, 2020 7:37pm
Panic attack symptoms can be very different from person to person. The most common symptoms tend to be physical, as opposed to mental with anxiety attacks. Panic attacks symptoms can include hyperventilating, heart racing, sweating, feeling intense fear or adrenaline. If you feel any of these symptoms the good news is that there are lots of resources and coping mechanisms that many people have found useful. Try researching some of these coping techniques, but a good one to get you started would be a grounding technique in which you breathe slowly while focusing on things around you (5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste).
Anonymous
June 27th, 2020 12:43pm
Symptoms of panic attacks vary from person to person. Some people may experience respiratory symptoms like tightness in the chest, feeling that your throat is closing/not being able to breathe or hyperventilation. These symptoms are most common and stereotypical signs of a panic attack. In my experience, and being told by others, I know that some people experience headaches, tingly limbs, orchest pain. Remember some people will have other symptoms or not experience symptoms on this list. Everyone’s body functions differently and that causes different reactions. It is important to get help when having a panic attack as someone can help you calm your breathing.
ClaireRedfield
June 27th, 2020 5:04pm
Panic attacks cause rapid shallow breathing followed by overwhelming panicking and a fear of dying. It can be triggered by various situations affecting the person uniquely depending by the roots of his or her nature of anxiety. Sometimes it also happens in moments that the person isn’t really aware of what has set it off and this generates a sense of confusion resulting in misunderstanding of one's emotional consciousness. Panic attacks are easily the consequence of being in a position out of your comfort zone which most likely one had previously developed a misconception and an illusion of it’s reality.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2020 3:34am
The main symptoms of a panic attack are rapid heart beat, numbness in body or legs, dizziness, shaking and trembling, shortness of breathe, tight feeling of or around the throat, and feeling like you are going to die. I know this from personal experience. I had my first panic attack when I was ten. I was so scared when it happened and didn't understand what was going on. I felt like I was going to die and that I had no control over it. My legs started to shake and my throat tightened. After researching it my self and going to a counselor I now know the most common signs of a panic attack.
LittleBirdie30
July 9th, 2020 5:47am
Symptoms of panic attacks can vary from person to person. Some people may zone out and not feel themselves, while others cry for a short period of time. Other symptoms some people may experience include a pounding and racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, tingling and feeling out of control. The definition of anxiety attack is "a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause." Anxiety attacks can happen to anyone and can last around 30 minutes, including the physical symptoms. Just know you are not alone!
Anonymous
July 19th, 2020 2:47am
The main symptoms of a panic attack is the Inability to shake sense of impending doom. This can sometimes be accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitation, heart racing, trembling, shaking, however every person differs in their display of panic attacks but the common denominator is the overwhelming sense of dread. Other common symptoms can include Sense of impending doom or danger. Fear of loss of control or death. Rapid, pounding heart rate. Sweating. Trembling or shaking. Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat. Chills. Hot flashes. Difficulty breathing. Pounding heart or chest pain. Intense feeling of terror. Sensation of choking or smothering. Dizziness or feeling faint. Trembling or shaking. Sweating. Nausea or stomachache.
cooperelizabeth
July 29th, 2020 11:48pm
Panic attacks have a broad range of symptoms depending on the person having the panic attack. The symptoms can be different depending on what is causing you to have the panic attack in the first place. The most common symptoms of panic attacks are the following: - Sense of impending doom or danger - Fear of loss of control or death - Rapid, pounding heart rate - Sweating - Trembling or shaking - Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat - Chills - Hot flashes - Nausea - Abdominal cramping - Chest pain - Headache - Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness - Numbness or tingling sensation - Feeling of unreality or detachment. If you feel these symptoms you are probably having a panic attack. Talk to a qualified therapist to find the right treatment for you.
CatInLap
August 22nd, 2020 5:29am
Panic attacks different than anxiety attacks can be confused often. In a panic attack, the person feels a sense of dread and becomes sure something is very wrong. Often they get light-headed, dizzy, faint, have chest pain and may feel like they are having a heart attack or about to pass out. Your heart might pound, you may sweat, and have trouble breathing, get chills or nausea, your stomach might tense and cramp. Headaches and numbness or tingling or feeling a little dissociated (unreality or detached) The most common symptoms are intense fear and if you've had one you may be petrified of having another and that can cause you to have another one :( Know that they are not dangerous but they are hard to manage and if you have them a lot they can interfere with getting things done or enjoying things.
blossomjessie
August 22nd, 2020 3:08pm
The main symptoms of panic attacks are a tightness in the chest, quickened more intensified breaths, and a general sense of panic coursing throughout your body. The cause of panic attacks is usually an extreme stress situation or a speck if it trigger that the person has. An traumatic event can leave people with a set of triggers that could all potentially send the victim into a panic attack. High stress situations that seem to be overwhelming and no solution is in sight can send the person into a panic attack as well. Panic attacks can vary in length, but usually range from 10 minutes to an hour.
KatieTheWingedOne
September 4th, 2020 4:54pm
Panic attacks though generalised, can vary from persson to person given the situation and how you respond to stress. Though the main symptoms of panic attacks are: (physical) -a fast heartrate -ringing in ears or tingling in fingers -heavy breathing -chills -trembling -feeling faint -feeling dizzy or weak -sweating or nausea (mental) : -feeling scared or like dying -some describe it as they arent attached to their body -like things arent real -cant think (now this all varies and some may apply more than others or not at all, though usually a panic attack is an overwhelming set of feelings sending you into a state of panic, lasting 5-20 minutes but sometimes an hour) that's from my personal experience with them and knowledge on them, hope it helps
Anonymous
September 6th, 2020 7:33pm
Panic attacks can be silent as well as more verbal and obvious. the key symptoms of more physical panic attacks are tightness in your chest, where you are struggling to breathe. The feeling of loss of control where you believe that no matter what you're doing or about to do you cant help yourself which creates the feeling of anxiety. Another symptom is the feeling that you are about to pass out or nauseous because of your brain sending to many emotions where you feel overwhelmed and stuck on what to do. panic attacks can happen anywhere or at any time to anyone!
Anonymous
September 12th, 2020 8:03pm
For myself, when I experience a panic/anxiety attack, I feel warm, my heart starts racing, I feel like it's the end of the world, nothing will make it better. My breathing becomes short and rapid, and I start to sweat. Although, I feel cool. Physically, I get pain in my chest, I feel sick to my stomach, and dizzy. Also, I sometimes experience cramping, and headaches. Dealing with these symptoms can be difficult in the moment. Some diminish once you've calmed yourself down, and return to normal heart rate and breathing, however, there are times when some of these symptoms will linger for a while.
emily2803
September 16th, 2020 2:49am
The symptoms of panic attacks can vary from person to person, but there are a few main symptoms that one can take into consideration when analyzing whether or not they are or have been experiencing panic attacks. Panic attacks usually involve a feeling of anxiousness or impending doom/panic, trouble with breathing, sweating, rapid heart rate, hot flashes or chills, nausea, and lightheadedness. Some people have also experienced a feeling of detachment from reality, numbness, a loss of control, shaking, and abdominal cramping. Panic attacks can occur at least once in a person's life time, but recurring panic attacks could be an indicator of panic disorder or related issues. If at any point in time, you are concerned about the status of your health and think that you are experiencing panic attacks, try to speak to someone you trust or speak to a healthcare professional.
HopefulBambi
September 16th, 2020 8:28pm
Each persons symptoms for panic attacks can vary on the individual and the type of anxiety they are struggling with. A lot of people happen to go through either sweating or chills, the feeling of a "racing heart", trembling or shaking, physical and emotional weakness, dizziness, tingly or numb hands, chest or stomach pain, and migraines. To combat these, some people like to remove themselves from a situation and just take time to deescalate their state of mind. This can be done with closing your eyes, finding a place that is comfortable and safe to you, and taking deep breathes.
Anonymous
October 28th, 2020 3:58am
Symptoms of panic attacks vary from person to person, but here are some signs you may be experiencing a panic attack. Remember that I am not a professional and if you feel you have anxiety you should try to get help. Here are some common symptoms of a panic attack; Racing heart/high blood pressure Heavy breathing Increased sense of panic Feeling in a constant state of danger Nausea Hyperventilating Sweating Trembling/shaking Heat flashes/chills Chest pain and dizziness During a panic attack you might feel terrified and you should try to remember that you are okay. If you experience these and other anxiety-related symptoms, please seek professional help.
pancakepandas
November 5th, 2020 10:36pm
When I have a panic attack, I notice that it starts with a tension in my breathing. All of a sudden, I'll feel constricted, and no matter what I do, I end up feeling like a giant weight is getting pressed on me and I can't get rid of it. It makes me panic even more, and now I can't concentrate, because all I can think is about how I'm going to die because I can't breathe. At times, I'll have chest pains, and I'll also feel a numbness or tingliness in my body. The thing that I do that I've found helps, is to follow breathing techniques, or to flip so that I'm laying on my stomach, because in a way , I feel like I am controlling the pressure on my chest.
holyboo
November 9th, 2020 3:43pm
I don´t usually have a pattern. The first time i had a panic attack i started crying and feeling nauseous. It was like my breath gone away and i started walking around my house like crazy until i started having a huge urge to scream. I was alone by that time and i was really scared. Listening to music started calming me down gradually. Afterwords my panic attacks usually were like getting hypoglycemic or i just started shaking like crazy even tho my mind was calm. I regularly get fadigue or a feeling of being floating out of my body, like a wasnt myself and being numb/not being able to take counscious decisions. Anyways, my point is there is no right formula for a panic attack and everybody works and reacts differently. Just make sure to try to find your own patterns and find you triggers so you can work on getting better and finding a way to calm yourself.
LaszloSzakali
November 11th, 2020 2:42pm
Panic Attack Symptoms Panic attacks involve sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. People experiencing a panic attack may believe they are having a heart attack or they are dying or going crazy. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms: "Racing" heart Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers Sense of terror, or impending doom or death Feeling sweaty or having chills Chest pains Breathing difficulties Feeling a loss of control Panic attacks are generally brief, lasting less than 10 minutes, although some of the symptoms may persist for a longer time. People who have had one panic attack are at greater risk for having subsequent panic attacks than those who have never experienced a panic attack. When the attacks occur repeatedly, and there is worry about having more episodes, a person is considered to have a condition known as panic disorder. People with panic disorder may be extremely anxious and fearful, since they are unable to predict when the next episode will occur. Panic disorder is fairly common and affects about 6 million adults in the U.S. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition, and its symptoms usually begin in early adulthood. It is not clear what causes panic disorder. In many people who have the biological vulnerability to panic attacks, they may develop in association with major life changes (such as getting married, having a child, starting a first job, etc.) and major lifestyle stressors. There is also some evidence that suggests that the tendency to develop panic disorder may run in families. People who suffer from panic disorder are also more likely than others to suffer from depression, attempt suicide, or to abuse alcohol or drugs. Fortunately, panic disorder is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy and medications have both been used, either singly or in combination, for successful treatment of panic disorder. If medication is necessary, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications, certain antidepressants or sometimes certain anticonvulsant drugs that also have anti-anxiety properties, or a class of heart medications known as beta-blockers to help prevent or control the episodes in panic disorder.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2020 4:47am
For me at least, I tend to shake my hands and breathe heavily. I get overwhelmed, and don't know what to do with my hands. I'll overthink, and go on long, unprompted rambles Depending on the situation, I can stutter or blank entirely. I know some more common ones are sweating, shivering, hypreventilating, and heart pounding. Everyone has different signs, and that's okay! Your anxiety is unique to you, and there's no wrong way to have a panic attack. To calm down, I go through affirmations. (affirmations are facts that you know, and can repeat until you feel secure! one of my favorites is: i will go to bed tonight, and i will be safe. i will be free of this weight.)
Anonymous
November 14th, 2020 9:22pm
The main symptoms of a panic attack in my experience are shortness of breath and a dissociative feeling. I find it hard to catch my breath as if someone was sitting on my chest. My heart starts to pound quickly and I feel a wave of heat rush over me, kind of like the feeling of embarrassment. I disassociate and do not feel like I am in my own body anymore. The world is in slow motion and I'm scared. I take slow deep breaths and close my eyes. Imagining that I am in a place where I feel safe and sound.