Consider standing on a packed bus. Suddenly, your heart begins to beat and pound in your chest. Your throat tightens, and you get dizzy. You cast a peek at the door, concerned that if you don’t get off the bus, you’ll lose control.
This is a panic attack. A panic attack, according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), is characterised by a rapid onset of dread accompanied by at least four physical and emotional symptoms. Panic attacks start fast and last for about 20 to 30 minutes for the majority of people.
- Among the symptoms of a panic attack are:
- Palpitations, hammering heart, or a rapid pulse
- Sweating
- trembling or shaking
- I’m out of breath
- Feel
Panic episodes are quite common. In fact, around 28% of people will experience a panic attack at some time in their life. Many people who suffer panic attacks never have them again. People who suffer from panic attacks, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer from another mental health problem, such as panic disorder or depression.
