How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?

Understanding a Panic Attack

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a one-time or infrequent episode of significant fear that includes emotional and physical symptoms.

Everyone has felt anxiety or panic at some point. It’s an instinctive response to frightening or dangerous events. However, some may experience intense fear, anxiety, and stress constantly without apparent cause or danger. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that “panic attacks can occur at any time, sometimes during sleep.”

How Do I Recognize a Panic Attack?

A panic attack can feel like you’re losing control, have an intense feeling of fear, combined with physical symptoms such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling 
• A feeling of impending danger or doom
• Shortness of breath

An individual experiencing a panic attack can also feel distressed by a panic attack.

What Are the Stages of a Panic Attack?

The four distinct stages of a panic attack are:

• Onset of intense fear: The sudden onset of fear is the beginning of a panic attack. The onset is often unexpected, and there isn’t a clear reason for the panic attack.
• The desire to escape or flee the situation: An individual experiencing a panic attack may try to distract themselves or leave the environment or situation they are in.
• Peak (intense) symptoms: As a rule, symptoms reach their peak within minutes of the start of a panic attack.
• Slow decline of symptoms: Once the peak is reached, symptom intensity decreases, leaving individuals feeling exhausted.

The multidisciplinary team at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility helps individuals understand the stages and recognize the onset of symptoms, enabling them to use coping strategies. Using grounding techniques or relaxation techniques can reduce or prevent the symptoms of unexpected panic attacks, helping you maintain your clinical improvement.

How Common Are Panic Attacks?

Many individuals experience a panic attack at some point in their lives.

You’re not alone if you experience panic attacks. About 11% of adults will have a panic attack every year. The percentage of panic attacks signifies that panic attacks aren’t uncommon, and several individuals will have or have had a panic attack within the past year. 

At first, panic attacks can occur suddenly, but over time, certain situations can trigger them. There is research that your fight-or-flight response to danger is a part of a panic attack. However, the research doesn’t clarify why your body enables this response when there isn’t a clear and present danger to your well-being.

Additionally, panic attacks can occur several times a day or a few times a year. Individuals who experience a panic attack can have an ongoing fear of having another, which can lead to one or more anxiety disorders.

What Is the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings that occur without a known reason or trigger, while anxiety attacks occur after a gradual buildup of intense fear and worry about future events.

The symptoms of a panic attack are sudden and unexpected, and build within several minutes and fade away within 15 to 20 minutes. In contrast, the symptoms of an anxiety attack can last for days or hours. Anxiety is the gradual buildup of intense feelings that are often connected to stressors or situations.

Are Panic Attacks Life-Threatening? 

No, panic attacks are not life-threatening.

While they are not a threat to your life, panic attacks are often scary and include severe physical symptoms that decrease your quality of life.

Symptoms and Causes

What Are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

The symptoms of a panic attack include the following physical and mental symptoms:

• Pounding or racing heart
• Hyperventilation or trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Chills 
• Trembling
• Dizziness
• Numb or tingly hands
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomach cramping
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying

If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, reach out to Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility. We provide short-term acute psychiatric care for your symptoms to help get you back to a calmer and more regulated condition.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

Mental health professionals and researchers aren’t sure of the causes of panic attacks; however, they think the following can play a role in a panic attack occurring:

• Medical conditions, such as asthma or heart issues, can be physically uncomfortable.
• Severe stress
• Certain changes in how parts of the brain function
• Learning to react to panic attacks with fear, anxiety, and avoiding panic symptoms
• Genetics
• A personality (temperament) that is sensitive to stress’s physical symptoms

While it’s not known what can cause a panic attack, there are evidence-based, healthy ways to cope with the symptoms of unexpected panic attacks.

What Triggers Panic Attacks?

The triggers of a panic attack aren’t known.

However, mental health professionals and researchers are conducting studies that can help answer the question of what triggers a panic attack. It is believed that certain factors, such as genetics or environmental situations, can trigger the symptoms of a panic attack.

High levels of cortisol are associated with panic attacks because they trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response to danger, even if one isn’t present. Coping skills, such as deep breathing, can help manage the symptoms of a panic attack. Breathing exercises can regulate your nervous system, supporting relaxation and reducing stress.

Can a Panic Attack Feel Like a Heart Attack? 

Yes, it is possible for a panic attack to feel like a heart attack.

Both have similar symptoms that include:

• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Choking sensation or difficulty breathing

Unlike panic attacks, heart attacks can also include pain that radiates to other parts of the body, such as:

• Jaw pain
• Arm pain
• Back pain

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 and seek immediate medical help. 

Diagnosis of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

How Are Panic Attacks Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can determine if you are having or have had a panic attack by engaging you in a comprehensive exam.

The exam includes a physical exam, a review of symptoms, a review of family mental health history, and a psychological examination. After the exam is completed, your healthcare provider will consider the frequency of attacks and if you have a fear of having future panic attacks while also ruling out health conditions. A mental health professional can also determine if a panic attack is associated with several different mental disorders or is a symptom of a type of anxiety disorder like panic disorder.

How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed?

A mental health provider can diagnose a panic disorder when an individual has recurrent, sudden panic attacks that are accompanied by at least a month of consistent worry about having another panic attack.

Additionally, to determine if a panic attack or panic attacks occurred, your healthcare provider will:

• Ask you about your fears, symptoms, concerns, stressors, family or personal relationships, anything you may be avoiding
• Perform a physical examination
• Blood or other tests to rule out physical illnesses

A diagnosis of panic disorder can also include significant behavior changes such as:

• Avoidance of places or situations where a panic attack occurred
• Anxiety

Panic disorders often start during the late teens or early adulthood. Men aren’t as likely to develop a panic disorder as women are.

What Tests and Assessments Are Used to Confirm a Diagnosis?

Diagnostic tests such as

• Blood tests: These check the functioning of your organs or for infections
• Urine tests: Used to determine if an individual has kidney disease or a urinary tract infection
• Biopsies: Used to rule out cancer
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An EKG can determine if your heart has an irregularity, which could signal that a heart attack has occurred
• X-rays: These can detect potential bone issues, such as a broken bone or an abnormality
• Spirometry: a test that can diagnose respiratory conditions
• CT scans: Detects internal issues like an injury or tumors (benign or malignant)
• MRI: An MRI detects issues in the brain, joints, and muscles

The reason any or all of these tests are used is that they can confirm the presence of a disease, provide a tool to monitor mental or physical conditions, detect disease, support the goals of early screening, and evaluate the potential outcomes of a disease or its treatment.

Duration and Variants

How Long Do Panic Attacks Typically Last?

A panic attack is a sudden, unexpected episode that can last several minutes or an hour.

Usually, symptoms peak in about 10 minutes and then slowly decline. 

How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?

The duration of a panic attack lasts 5 to 20 minutes.

How Long Do Silent Panic Attacks Last?

Often, an individual will experience the symptoms of a silent panic attack for approximately 5 to 20 minutes.

Not all panic attacks have the same symptoms; sometimes the symptoms aren’t visible to those around an individual experiencing a panic attack. When symptoms aren’t apparent during a panic attack, it’s called a silent panic attack. For example, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, those around you won’t notice it.

How Long Do Severe Panic Attacks Last?

The length of time an individual can experience a severe panic attack is between 5 and 30 minutes. 

Some may have symptoms that last up to an hour or more.

How Long Do Panic Attack Symptoms Last?

Panic attacks can last approximately 5 to 20 minutes.

The symptoms of a panic attack usually peak around 10 minutes and will gradually disappear, leaving an individual fatigued.

Finding Appropriate Care

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

The symptoms of a panic attack can significantly disrupt your daily functioning, requiring you to see a healthcare provider.

A mental health professional or your medical healthcare provider can help you recognize and learn how to manage your symptoms. Additionally, you need to visit your healthcare provider so they can perform tests to rule out medical conditions like a heart attack.

How Can I Support Myself or a Loved One With Panic Disorder?

You can support a loved one or yourself by providing emotional support, encouraging them to visit a doctor, or seeking mental health treatment. 

Support isn’t one thing. When you provide a safe, empathetic atmosphere, are patient, and listen to your loved one, they will feel accepted and loved. You can also practice relaxation or calming techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and art therapy.

You must encourage a loved one or yourself to seek medical care to determine whether the symptoms are connected to a panic attack or a health condition.

When Is Emergency Care Necessary?

Panic attack symptoms can be similar to medical conditions that necessitate seeking health care immediately.

Symptoms such as the following:

• Persistent breathing issues
• Severe chest pain
• Numbness
• Confusion
• Weakness, fainting, or dizziness
• Impaired speech

require you to seek medical care at an emergency department or urgent care center. The safest way to receive care is to call 911. Emergency medical technicians can give you the care you need while you are on your way to the hospital. If you’re having a heart attack, this care can save your life.

Management and Stabilization

How Are Panic Attacks Treated?

Most often, those diagnosed with a panic attack are treated with psychotherapy and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

How Is Panic Disorder Treated?

Treatments for panic disorder include therapies and medication such as antidepressants.

Psychotherapies like CBT and exposure therapy can help reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks. At Ocean View, our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based treatments and medication stabilization and management to help you learn how to recognize and manage your symptoms while you are in our inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. Our goal is to provide treatment that provides you with the skills needed to live an independent, fulfilling life.

What Care Approach Should Be Used for Acute Symptom Stabilization?

Techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises promote acute symptom stabilization.

In some cases, individuals may also be prescribed medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines to relieve severe symptoms. Inpatient treatment provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can treat your acute symptoms while your medication and symptoms are monitored consistently.

What Medications Are Commonly Used for Acute Symptoms?

Individuals who are experiencing acute panic attack symptoms can be prescribed benzodiazepines to provide quick relief from their symptoms.

Depending on your symptoms and severity, we may use Ativan, Buspar, or hydroxyzine. Once your symptoms are stabilized at an inpatient treatment center, you will be able to participate in psychoeducational sessions.

How Does Acute Stabilization Help Prepare for Ongoing Treatment?

Once your acute symptoms are stabilized, an individual will have the emotional stability as well as the necessary safety for ongoing mental health treatment.

Ongoing support is vital to treating the symptoms of panic attacks because it supports your ability to manage your symptoms. Treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, referrals and resources for your continued care in the community, and aftercare programs are crucial because they keep you involved in your treatment.