If you have
, you may feel suddenly terrified for no reason. These unexpected and repeated bursts of terror are called panic attacks. Panic attacks can happen any time and any place without warning. They often happen in grocery stores, malls, crowds, or while traveling.
Panic attacks don't last long, but they are so scary that they feel like they go on forever.
You may live in constant fear of another attack and may stay away from places where you have had an attack. For some people, fear takes over their lives and they may dread leaving their homes. They develop a condition known as
, which is fear of unknown places or fear of being in places where you might feel trapped or unable to escape. People with agoraphobia fear being in crowds, standing in line, entering shopping malls, and riding in cars or public transportation.
Symptoms of panic attack include:
National Institute of Mental Health
website. Available at:
Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
Last reviewed [Under Medical Review] by Ryan Estevez, MD, PhD, MPH
Copyright © 2010 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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