Those diagnosed with panic disorder experience recurrent panic attacks. During a panic attack, the intensity of anxiety disorder symptoms is heightened for a short period of time – usually 10 minutes or less. The intensity of the symptoms during a panic attack can be so extreme that people believe they are having a heart attack or other life-threatening issues.
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Surges of overwhelming panic and/or terror
• Heart palpitations or chest pain
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Choking sensation
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded
• Hot flashes or chills
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying