Panic attacks are brief episodes of extreme fear. They may be mistaken for heart attacks but are actually psychological rather than physical. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and usually peak within ten minutes.

Some symptoms include:

• Chills
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Shaking
• Feelings of suffocation

A panic attack can happen without an obvious cause, but people with panic disorder may develop phobias related to something they associate with panic attacks, including open spaces, and large crowds. Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder, and like other forms of anxiety, it is commonly treated with a combination of therapy, medications, and healthy lifestyle changes.