A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening and can occur at any time, even during sleep. Symptoms of a panic attack usually peak within minutes and may include:

• Sudden high anxiety with or without a cause
• A "racing" heart
• Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
• Shaking
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
• Feeling sweaty or having chills
• Nausea
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Breathing difficulties, including a "smothering" sensation or shortness of breath
• A feeling of choking
• Feeling a loss of control
• A sense of unreality
• A fear of going crazy or losing control
• A fear of dying

Its important to note that not everyone who experiences a panic attack will have all of these symptoms, and some people may have different symptoms. The physical symptoms of a panic attack can be similar to those of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. However, panic attacks are not life-threatening, and the symptoms are not a sign of anything harmful happening.