Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder What are panic attacks and
panic disorder? A panic attack is a sudden, intense fear or
anxiety that may make you short of breath or dizzy or make your
heart pound. You may feel out of control. Some people believe
that they are having a heart attack or are about to die. An
attack usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes. But it may last even
longer, up to a few hours. You have the most anxiety about 10
minutes after the attack starts. If these attacks happen often,
they are called a panic disorder. Panic attacks can be scary and
so bad that they get in the way of your daily activities.
Treatment can help most people have fewer symptoms or even stop
the attacks. More women than men get panic attacks. What causes
panic attacks and panic disorder? Experts aren't sure what
causes panic attacks and panic disorder. But the body has a
natural response when you are stressed or in danger. It speeds
up your heart, makes you breathe faster, and gives you a burst
of energy. This is called the Re