What Is The Definition Of Panic Attack?

A panic attack, as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV), is characterised by a discrete intense fear that may last for 10 minutes or more and is convoyed with at least any four of the following symptoms –

1) racing heart
2) trembling
3) sweating
4) shortness of breath
5) chest pain or discomfort
6) feelings of choking
7) nausea or abdominal pain
8) feelings of detachment from reality
9) feelings of dizziness
10) numbness or tingling sensations
11) fear of dying
12) either chill or hot flushes
13) fear of losing control

The occurrence of panic attack may be triggered by the presence of the feared object, situation or incidence whatsoever. For example, if an individual fears spider, he or she may experience panic attack when that individual sees a spider. Or if an individual is not comfortable about sharing his view publicly, he or she may have panic attack if s/he has to speak publicly on stage.

The severe form of panic attack is known as panic disorder. This features the occurrence of panic attack without any such particular reason. An individual suffering from panic disorder may perceive his condition in such a manner that he always may carry an anxiety by constantly thinking or even anticipating the next attack in sequence.