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  beyondblue
  Health Consumer Organisation

  beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia. beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative ... View profile

  A panic attack is an intense feeling of anxiety that seems like it cannot be bought under control. Panic attacks can include short bursts of the following:
  

  • feelings of dread e.g. that something bad is going to happen
    
  • breathing difficulties e.g. shortness of breath
    
  • feeling anxious 
    
  • trembling or shaking
    
  • having chest pains or a tight feeling in the chest.
    
  • feeling lightheaded and/or nauseous
    
  • having tingles or chills
    

  For many people, panic attacks happen only occasionally when they are stressed. For others however, an initial attack can lead to fears of another attack at a later stage. This can result in a vicious cycle where the person is constantly worried about the next attack.
  
  These reactions can lead to people having thoughts such as: “I must be going crazy.” or “Something bad is going to happen.”. Focusing on these thoughts and the cycle of fear and worry can make a panic attack more likely.
  
  About three out of 10 people will experience at least one panic attack at some point in lives.
  
  If a person has a panic attack at least four times a month, they may be diagnosed as having a panic disorder. Around 3 per cent of the population has a panic disorder. Reply to this post  |  Report
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