A panic attack is a sudden and intense surge of fear anxiety and physical symptoms that can feel overwhelming and terrifying These episodes are characterized by a rapid heartbeat shortness of breath sweating trembling and a sense of impending doom or loss of control While panic attacks may seem to strike without warning they are often triggered by specific situations thoughts or physical sensations Panic attacks occur when the bodys fight or flight response is activated unnecessarily This natural survival mechanism designed to help us respond to real threats can become dysregulated in some individuals leading to an overreaction to perceived dangers The exact causes of panic attacks are not fully understood but they are believed to involve a complex interplay of biological psychological and environmental factors Its important to understand that panic attacks are not life threatening although they can feel terrifying in the moment They are a manifestation of intense anxiety and do not cause physical harm However the experience can be so distressing that it may lead some individuals to avoid certain situations or activities potentially impacting their quality of life