panic attack

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panic attack

A person sits calmly and breathes deeply to manage a panic attack.

Definition

Noun: A sudden, intense episode of overwhelming fear, anxiety, and physical distress that peaks within minutes. It is a discrete period of intense discomfort or fear, typically accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or trembling.

Usage

The term "panic attack" is used to describe a specific, acute psychological and physiological event. It functions as a countable noun and is often modified by adjectives like "sudden," "severe," or "unexpected." It is a clinical term but is also used in general language.

Examples
  • She had a panic attack during the crowded meeting and had to leave the room.
  • The first panic attack can be a terrifying experience, as the symptoms often feel like a heart attack.
  • His doctor explained that recurring panic attacks could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Advanced Usage
  • "to have a panic attack": This is the most common construction for describing the experience.
    • I thought I was going to have a panic attack when I saw the spider.
  • "to trigger/set off a panic attack": Used to describe the cause of the episode.
    • The loud noise triggered a sudden panic attack.
  • "full-blown panic attack": Emphasizes an attack that is fully developed and severe.
    • What started as mild anxiety quickly escalated into a full-blown panic attack.
Variants and Related Words
  • Panic (noun/verb): The core feeling of sudden, uncontrollable fear. A "panic attack" is a specific manifestation of panic.
    • Noun: There was panic in the streets during the blackout.
    • Verb: Don't panic; we will find a solution.
  • Anxiety attack (noun): Often used interchangeably with "panic attack" in casual conversation, though clinically, an anxiety attack may build more gradually and be less intense than a panic attack.
Synonyms
  • Anxiety attack: A similar episode of intense anxiety (see note in Variants).
  • Fear episode: A more general, descriptive term.
  • Acute anxiety: A clinical description of the state.
Related Phrases
  • Panic disorder (noun): A mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more attacks.
    • She was diagnosed with panic disorder after experiencing several unexplained panic attacks.
panic attack

A person sits calmly and breathes deeply to manage a panic attack.

Noun
  1. a sudden attack of fear

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