Panic Attack / Panic Disorders
A stress-related, brief feeling of intense fear and impending doom or death, accompanied by intense physiological symptoms such as rapid breathing and pulse, sweaty palms, smothering sensations, shortness of breath, choking sensations, and dizziness. These panic attacks can happen very frequently and leave the individual emotionally drained. Sufferers often live in fear of having another panic attack and develop avoidance (
phobic) behaviors. Sufferers often consult physicians many times thinking they are having a heart attack or asthma attack. See also
Anxiety Disorders.