When Sensations Need Urgent Medical Attention
Do not assume unfamiliar symptoms are panic. If you have chest pain and think you may be having a heart attack, severe difficulty breathing, collapse or symptoms of another medical emergency, call 000. Panic and physical illness can share symptoms and can occur together. A symptom list cannot safely tell them apart. Arrange medical review for a first episode or new or changed symptoms. [2]
What Panic Can Feel Like in Your Body
Physical sensations can be vivid and frightening. Common descriptions include:
- Heart and chest: a pounding, racing or fluttering heartbeat, or chest discomfort.
- Breathing and throat: feeling short of breath, breathing rapidly or feeling as though your throat is tight.
- Balance and sensation: lightheadedness, unsteadiness, tingling or numbness.
- Temperature and movement: sweating, shaking, chills or a rush of heat.
- Stomach: nausea or an unsettled abdomen.
These sensations are real. Their intensity does not establish their cause. They are examples, not a self-diagnosis checklist, and medical assessment may be needed. [1] [2]
The Thoughts and Feelings Inside an Attack
Panic may bring thoughts such as “I need to get out”, “I might die” or “I am losing control”. A strong feeling of danger can make it difficult to concentrate on what another person is saying. Some people feel detached from themselves, or find that their surroundings seem strange or unreal. These experiences can be frightening and deserve a calm, respectful response. [2]
A longstanding cognitive model describes how interpreting bodily sensations as threatening can intensify fear and further sensations. This is one useful way of understanding the experience, rather than a complete explanation for every person. [3]
What Others See May Be Different From What You Feel
One person may shake visibly or ask to leave. Another may sit quietly while feeling overwhelmed internally. Looking composed does not tell us how distressed someone feels.
In clinical work, counselling and practical work settings, it helps to listen before deciding what another person needs. Someone experiencing panic may be a student, parent, tradesperson, office worker or someone currently unable to work. Panic is not a measure of character or competence.
For illustration, a person waiting in a supermarket queue might notice a pounding heart, feel the room becoming unreal and suddenly want to leave. Another might wake from sleep with intense alarm. These are illustrative examples, not accounts of clients or diagnostic tests. Panic can occur with a clear trigger or without an obvious one. [1]
How the Experience Can Change Over Time
The surge usually builds quickly and reaches its peak within minutes. It may take longer to feel settled afterwards, and the length of an episode varies. A brief peak does not mean the whole experience must be over immediately. [1] [2]
You may feel drained, unsettled or worried about a repeat afterwards. If you begin changing routines to avoid another attack, it is worth discussing that with a health professional. You do not need to wait until panic affects every part of your life before asking for support.
Describing Your Experience to a Health Professional
You do not need the perfect words. A short description of what happened can help: where you were, what you noticed first, how quickly it developed, how long it took to settle and whether it has happened before. Mention new symptoms, medicines, caffeine or other substances, sleep changes and relevant medical history.
Also explain what changed afterwards: avoiding places, fearing exercise, disrupted sleep or difficulty working or studying. These details help a clinician understand the whole person and decide what assessment is appropriate.
Finding the Right Next Step
For a broader explanation of panic, possible contributors and panic disorder, read Understanding Panic Attacks. For assessment and individual therapy, see Psychology for Panic Attacks.
Support can help people understand their experiences and gradually reduce the impact of panic, although progress varies. David provides psychological care for adolescents and adults. A GP can assess physical symptoms and help coordinate care.