A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort, often with a racing heart, shaking, dizziness or breathlessness. It can happen with or without an obvious trigger. One attack does not by itself mean panic disorder. This guide explains the pattern, what may help and when medical assessment comes first. NIMH explains panic attacks and panic disorder.
For a short reading path and practical sheets, visit the anxiety resource library.
Do not assume new physical symptoms are panic. Sudden chest pain with tightness, spreading pain, sweating or breathlessness can need emergency care. In Ireland call 112 or 999 for a medical emergency; elsewhere use your local emergency number. See HSE chest-pain guidance. If you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, use local emergency services or recognised crisis support.
What can a panic attack feel like?
The body can feel intensely alarmed: you might notice a pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea, tingling, dizziness or difficulty breathing. Some people feel detached from their surroundings or fear that they are losing control. The sensations are real, even when there is no obvious danger. HSE information on panic disorder describes these experiences.
A symptom list cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. A first episode, an unusual episode or a change in familiar symptoms deserves medical advice. You can read more about physical symptoms of anxiety and medical warning signs.
How long does a panic attack last?
The intense wave often rises quickly and then eases, but duration varies. The HSE describes most attacks as lasting 5–30 minutes; NIMH notes that some last longer. These are descriptions, not a countdown or a way to rule out illness. Do not wait for a time limit if symptoms could be a medical emergency.
What may help during an attack?
If this is a familiar pattern that has been assessed, use the Panic Attack Plan for a short sequence to practise during and after an episode. You do not have to work through this whole article while distressed.
Keep the plan somewhere easy to find. If you are supporting someone else, the guide on helping someone with anxiety offers ways to communicate calmly and recognise when help is needed. A web guide cannot establish that an episode is harmless.
Panic attacks, panic disorder and anxiety attacks
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected attacks together with ongoing concern or changes in behaviour because of them. Having more than one attack does not automatically establish that diagnosis. A clinician considers the wider pattern and possible physical causes.
“Anxiety attack” is a phrase people use in different ways. If that distinction brought you here, read anxiety attack versus panic attack. For persistent worry between episodes, the anxiety guide is a broader starting point.
What treatment can help?
Speak with a GP or qualified mental health professional when attacks recur, worry about another attack becomes persistent, or avoidance limits everyday life. You can describe what happens, how often, what you have started avoiding and any medicines or substances that may be relevant.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for panic disorder. It can work with fear of body sensations and avoidance. The choice between psychological treatment, medication or a combination should reflect an individual assessment and your preferences. NICE explains treatment choices for panic disorder.
Medication choices, side effects, starting, changing or stopping treatment need to be discussed with a qualified prescriber. NICE advises against benzodiazepines for treating panic disorder. If you already take a prescribed medicine, discuss any concerns with your prescriber rather than changing it because of this page.
Finding support and further reading
- Help with anxiety — choosing a next step.
- Anxiety therapy in Dublin and online — information about Jonathan’s psychotherapy and counselling service.
- Free and low-cost counselling in Ireland — other routes to support.
- Related research by Jonathan on anxiety and panic — a research perspective, separate from the independent clinical guidance above.
This is educational information, not diagnosis, personal treatment advice or emergency care. Sources checked for this revision: 20 September 2026. Read the website disclaimer.