Panic attacks are episodes of intense anxiety that appear suddenly and are characterized by several physical and psychological symptoms including shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sweating, trembling, a feeling of choking, and intense fear of death or losing control. They usually appear within a few minutes. Physical Symptoms • Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking. • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations. • Dizziness or lightheadedness. • Excessive sweating or trembling. • Chest pain or pressure. • Digestive upset such as nausea or bloating.