Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, Medication and Treatment
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A panic attack is a terrible feeling of fear that suddenly overwhelms you. It can come out of the blue and for no apparent reason. It is not dangerous but it can be very frightening to the person having it and, to a lesser degree, to those around that person. This is because you feel you have no control and once you have suffered from a panic attack, your greatest fear can then be the thought of having another panic attack, particularly in a public place. A panic attack can last for just minutes (the body cannot sustain such a response for long) but repeated attacks can continue to recur for hours.
TL;DR: Panic Attacks at a Glance
- A panic attack is a terrible feeling of fear that suddenly overwhelms you, often out of the blue. It is not dangerous but it can be very frightening, and it usually lasts just minutes.
- Physical symptoms can include a pounding or racing heart, shaking, sweating, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a choking feeling, dizziness, tingling, and hot flashes or chills. Having at least 4 of these at once strongly indicates a panic attack.
- The fear of having another attack can become so intense that it leads to agoraphobia, causing the sufferer to avoid leaving home.
- Causes may include a genetic link, extreme stress, caffeine and certain medications. Women are twice as likely as men to get panic attacks.
- It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, as panic attacks are sometimes wrongly diagnosed as a thyroid, blood sugar or heart valve problem. Counseling, medication, relaxation techniques and support groups can all be very effective.
- 2 to 4 out of every 100 people will suffer from a panic attack at some stage of their life, so you are certainly not alone.
In this post:
What Happens in a Panic Attack and What Are the Physical Symptoms?
Such physical symptoms can include:
- Shaking or trembling all over
- Feeling that your heart is pounding or racing
- Sweating
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling that you are choking
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Dizziness or weakness
- An “out of body” feeling
- Tingling or numbness in your limbs (pins and needles)
- Hot flashes or sudden chills
- Terror that is almost paralyzing
While it is unlikely for someone to suffer from all of these symptoms at once, the presence of at least 4 symptoms would strongly indicate a panic attack. The person might also experience a fear of losing control, going crazy or of dying during such a panic attack which of course would aggravate the attack.
Also read: Top Ten Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia
The fear of having another attack can become so intense that it becomes the basis for a further condition known as agoraphobia (the fear of the outdoors) – which can then cause the sufferer to avoid leaving home.
Diagnosis, Treatment and Management for a Panic Attack
If you feel that you are suffering from panic attacks then it is important to see a doctor, to get a proper diagnosis and to get advice and guidance on a treatment plan. Your doctor, a psychologist or psychiatrist will be able to evaluate you so that he can tell if you are having panic attacks or suffering from another problem. You will be pleased to read that there are simple treatments available to help control panic attacks. These can take the form of counseling or actual medications. Both can be very effective. Relaxation techniques or support groups are also very helpful forms of treatment.
Also read: What Are Glimmers and How They Can Help You Achieve a Calmer Life
Causes of Panic Attacks
There may be a genetic link or a biological malfunction. Women are twice as likely as men to get panic attacks.
Extreme stressful events can trigger panic attacks.
Caffeine, cold and flu medications, certain anti-malarial drugs, appetite suppressants, local anesthetics, and even exercise can cause panic attacks.
The actual thought of having a panic attack can in fact trigger such an attack.
Paper Bag Emergency Treatment
You may well have seen the paper bag remedy used in a sitcom when someone has a panic attack. This can be an effective short term solution for such an occasion. This action balances the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and can actually work.
Safety update: Current medical guidance no longer recommends paper bag rebreathing as a routine treatment, because it can lower oxygen levels and because symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath can also be caused by heart or lung problems that need urgent care. Slow, steady breathing through the nose is generally advised instead. If it is your first episode, or there is chest pain, seek medical attention. Why it is healthier to breathe through your nose.
Who Gets Panic Attacks?
Remember that 2 to 4 out of every 100 people will suffer from a panic attack during some stage of their life so you certainly would not be alone. People of all races and economic groups can suffer from panic attacks and while the condition more commonly affects those between 20 and 40 years, it can also occur in the young and the elderly.
The condition is frequently wrongly diagnosed as a thyroid problem, hypoglycemia or a heart valve problem so be aware of this when seeking medical help.
Also read: Insomnia Causes & Treatment | Gardening is the Perfect Natural Remedy for Anxiety
H-Calm Formula: Gentle Support for Tension and Agitation
Alongside the guidance and treatment plan from your doctor, many people look for a gentle way to take the edge off everyday tension. Healing Natural Oils has produced the H-Calm Formula, an easy-to-use homeopathic oral spray for the temporary relief of restlessness, irritability, tension and agitation. It is suitable for adults and children ages 6 and up, with no pills or capsules, just a few sprays straight into the mouth.*
H-Calm Formula Ingredients
Each active ingredient is prepared in 10X, 20X and 30X HPUS potencies. The uses in brackets are based on the Homeopathic Materia Medica:
- Aconitum napellus (fear)
- Cistus canadensis (apprehension)
- Lilium tigrinum (anxiety)
- Ornithogalum umbellatum, flos (shock)
- Passiflora incarnata (nervousness)
- Valeriana officinalis (restlessness)
- Prunus cerasifera, flos (control)
- Chamomilla (irritability)
- Also: Alfalfa, Avena sativa, Clematis vitalba flos, Impatiens glandulifera flos, Kali phosphoricum, Phosphorus and Pulsatilla
H-Calm Formula is triple lab tested and made in an FDA-registered, GMP-compliant facility in the USA. It is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or prescribed treatment for panic attacks or panic disorder. Talk to your doctor before combining it with other medications.*
*Results may vary. Product uses are based on Homeopathic Materia Medica and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Also read: Burn a Bay Leaf For Its Instant Calming Effect
Recent Advancements in Panic Attack Treatment
Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder continues to improve. Here is an overview of current approaches and newer developments:
Psychological Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Remains the first-line talking therapy. It helps people understand the cycle of panic and gradually reduces the fear of physical sensations.
- Internet-Delivered and App-Based CBT: Guided online CBT programs have shown benefits for panic disorder in clinical studies and can make treatment easier to access.
- Interoceptive Exposure: A part of CBT where people safely practise bringing on mild panic-like sensations (such as a raised heart rate) so they become less frightening over time.
Medication
- SSRIs and SNRIs: Certain antidepressants are the most commonly recommended medications for panic disorder and are usually taken for several months.
- Benzodiazepines: May be prescribed short term in some cases, but carry a risk of dependence and are generally not recommended for long-term use.
Breathing-Based Approaches
- Capnometry-Guided Respiratory Intervention: A home-based breathing program that uses a sensor to measure exhaled carbon dioxide, teaching people to steady their breathing. A device of this type was cleared by the FDA for panic disorder in 2018.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Training: Practices such as mindfulness, slow breathing and regular exercise may help lower overall anxiety levels and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Consulting with a doctor or mental health professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panic Attacks
Is a panic attack dangerous?
A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be very frightening to the person having it. Because some symptoms overlap with heart and lung problems, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
How long does a panic attack last?
A panic attack can last for just minutes, as the body cannot sustain such a response for long, but repeated attacks can continue to recur for hours.
What can trigger a panic attack?
Extreme stressful events, caffeine, cold and flu medications, certain anti-malarial drugs, appetite suppressants, local anesthetics and even exercise can trigger panic attacks. The actual thought of having a panic attack can also trigger one.
How are panic attacks treated?
Panic attacks can be controlled with counseling or medication, and both can be very effective. Relaxation techniques and support groups are also very helpful forms of treatment.
Can panic attacks be mistaken for other conditions?
Yes. Panic attacks are frequently wrongly diagnosed as a thyroid problem, hypoglycemia or a heart valve problem, so be aware of this when seeking medical help.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- NHS. Panic disorder. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Panic attacks and panic disorder - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Panic attacks and panic disorder - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic. Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic. Hyperventilation Syndrome. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hyperventilation. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management (CG113). (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a first-time episode, seek medical attention right away to rule out other causes. Recurring panic attacks should be assessed by a doctor or mental health professional. H-Calm Formula is a homeopathic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.