Panic Disorder: Understanding Panic Attacks and What Comes After

A panic attack is one of the most frightening experiences a person can have — and one of the most misunderstood. Panic Disorder develops when the attacks themselves become a source of ongoing fear.

What Happens During a Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear that peak within minutes. They often feel life-threatening in the moment, which is part of what makes them so distressing. Common features include:

• Racing or pounding heart
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Tingling or numbness
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Nausea or stomach distress
• A sense of unreality or feeling detached from yourself
• Fear of losing control, "going crazy," or dying

What Makes It Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can happen in the context of many anxiety conditions. Panic Disorder specifically is diagnosed when someone has recurrent unexpected panic attacks and then spends significant time worrying about having more — or changes their behavior to avoid triggering another one. That avoidance is often where the real quality-of-life impact accumulates.

Ruling Out Medical Causes First

Because panic attack symptoms overlap significantly with cardiac and other medical conditions, it's worth having those ruled out before or alongside a psychiatric evaluation — particularly if this is a first episode or if there are new physical symptoms. We can coordinate with your primary care provider when helpful.

Treatment at Harborlight

Medication can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks considerably. We also discuss what happens in the body during a panic attack, which many people find genuinely reassuring — understanding the physiology of panic tends to reduce its power.