Panic attacks are characterized by sudden periods of intense fear. People who are diagnosed with panic disorder have recurrent and unexpected panic attacks that include symptoms such as palpitations, pounding heart, sweating and trembling, shaking, accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, choking and feelings of impending doom. Other symptoms of the disorder include feelings of being out of control, intense worries and avoidance of places where attacks have occurred in the past.

Panic disorder symptoms include:

  • Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear
  • Feelings of being out of control during a panic attack
  • Intense worries about when the next attack will happen
  • Fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past