panic attack

"All of a sudden I felt dizzy, my legs gave out on me, and I couldn't catch a breath. It felt like someone was choking me. I could feel my heart was beating too fast and I was terrified I was dying. I knew I had to get away before I lost it."

Panic Attacks:

A panic attack is an intense episode of anxiety and fear that is accompanied by overwhelming physical and mental symptoms. Panic attack symptoms rise to a peak and then subside. A panic attack can last anywhere from a few minutes (more common) to several hours (rare). Some people experience panic attack several times a day, while others only a few times a year.

Panic attack symptoms include:

rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations or rapid pulse rate
sweating
trembling, shaking, or spinning sensations
dizziness, feeling faint, or intense fatigue
feeling detached from yourself or feelings of unreality
nausea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort
chills or hot flashes
feelings of tingling or numbness
feelings of choking or suffocation
fear of dying
fear of going crazy
chest pain
shortness of breath
fear of losing control
obsessive, racing, or "what-if" thoughts
exaggerated anxious thoughts

Panic Disorder:

A panic disorder is diagnosed as having two or more panic attacks followed by at least one month of worry over having another attack. Many people that suffer from panic disorder are convinced that they suffer from an undiagnosed illness, even after medical tests come back negative.

Many sufferers spend a lot of time worrying about having another panic attack. They avoid situations that might trigger the panic attacks or refuse to go places where they feel out of control. For this reason, panic disorder often coincides with agoraphobia.

Panic disorder often occurs with other anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or simple phobias.