Panic attacks are have three inportant features:
Panic is usually accompanied by a sense that something awful is going to happen and sufferers believe they will go mad, have a heart attack, die, lose control and make a fool of themselves, amongst other fears.
Panic attacks appear to come 'out of the blue' causing people to feel completely powerless and overwhelmed. Panic attacks can often have a significant impact on an individual’s life, leading them to avoid situations.
Panic attacks are very common and are not a sign of serious mental illness as some people fear.