It occurs in a condition known as panic disorder. A panic attack is a terrifying experience. Several physical and emotional signs occur during a panic attack. The most common signs are a racing heart, shortness of breath, faintness, hot or cold flushes, trembling, tingling, weakness and nausea, or feeling as though one's self or the external world has changed somehow. In addition, people with panic attack may fear that they are dying, or going crazy or are about to lose control.
Some panic attacks come on very quickly and involve many intense feelings.
Other attacks may be less intense and involve fewer feelings. The signs of panic attacks can change or stay the same from one attack to another. A panic attack sounds like a heart attack. The symptoms of panic attacks can seem like those of other serious medical events, like heart attacks and strokes. This makes panic attacks hard to recognize.