A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms: Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate. Sweating. Trembling or shaking. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering. Symptoms of an anxiety attack can include: A feeling of overwhelming fear Feeling of going crazy or losing control Feeling you are in grave danger Feeling you might pass out A surge of doom and gloom An urgency to escape Dizziness Heart Palpitations Trembling Sweating Shortness of breath Chest pressure or pain Turning pale Feeling detached from reality Weak in the knees Burning skin Pins and needles Hot and cold flushes Numbness and tingling sensations The above anxiety attack symptoms can be accompanied by: Choking sensation, tightening throat, it feels like your throat is closing, it feels like something is stuck in your throat Confusion Depersonalization (feeling detached from reality, separate from one-self, separate from normal emotions) Derealization (feeling unreal, in a dream-like state) Dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness Emotional distress Emotional upset Inability to calm yourself down Knot in the stomach, tight stomach Nausea Panicky feeling Pounding, racing heart Butterflies in the stomach Sudden urge to go to the bathroom (urinate, defecate) Vomiting Feel like crying