Ten to 20 percent of Americans will have an anxiety attack at some time in their lives. Panic attacks typically begin in young adulthood and can happen throughout your life. An episode usually begins abruptly, peaks within 10 minutes and lasts about half an hour.
Women are more likely than men to have panic attacks.
For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively. Your heart and breathing would speed up as your body readied itself for a life-threatening situation. Many of the same reactions occur in a panic attack. No obvious stressor is present, but something trips your body's alarm system. If panic attacks are frequent, or if fear of having them affects your activities, you may have a condition called panic disorder.