It contains psychiatric disorders that have been recognized over the years and lists the symptoms of each disorder. First, some of the attacks must occur without any obvious triggers. For example, a person might have a panic attack while eating. Secondly, after having one or more attacks the person must suffer from a recurrent fear of having another attack, or must change their behavior because of concern about another attack. For some, this may even result in giving up everyday activities such as engaging in exercise or social activities.
Panic attacks can occur at any time and vary in time span.
Some attacks may only last a couple of seconds or anywhere between 10-20 minutes. In some instances attacks last more than an hour and reach maximum intensity halfway through. Some people may experience panic attacks occasionally, while some experience them several times a day. Usually a person experiences a panic attack at an unpredictable time and with no certain cause. However, once these attacks begin, some patients may experience them when cues from previous panic attacks are present.