A panic attack is a type of disorder, most common in people under stress. The disease is an acute form of anxiety neurosis, characterized by shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitation, trembling, choking, sweating and fear, besides hyperventilation, nausea, chest pain and tingling sensation, and fear of losing control of oneself.

A panic attack can be unprovoked and unrelated to any stressful activity. The attack peaks in less than 10 minutes and resolves in about half an hour. Recurrent attacks are forerunner of major depressive illnesses.

Prevention ::
Breathing exercises go a long way in calming victims. So do drugs and various psychological therapies.

Treatment ::
Consult a psychiatrist. Learning to relax reduces the frequency, intensity and duration of an attack. Benzodia-sepines and anti-depressants block attacks, but must be taken strictly under medical supervision.