Educational orientation — not a diagnosis

Sudden fear, racing heart or breathlessness

A sudden wave of intense fear with physical sensations can occur in panic attacks, but chest pain and breathing problems also require appropriate medical consideration.

Important safety note

Immediate danger, suicidal intent, violence, severe confusion, sudden loss of function or loss of contact with reality require urgent local emergency or medical support.

Open crisis guidance →

Common signs

What people may notice

Rapid heartbeat, shaking or sweating
Shortness of breath or choking sensation
Dizziness, nausea or tingling
Fear of dying, losing control or having another attack
Avoidance of places associated with attacks

Several possibilities

This pattern may be associated with

Panic attacks or panic disorder

Other anxiety conditions

Trauma response

Cardiac, respiratory, thyroid or other medical causes

This list is not exhaustive and does not establish a diagnosis.

When support may be useful

Look at persistence and impact

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Physical health and safety

What should not be overlooked

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Prepare for a useful consultation

Information worth noting

When it began and what was happening at the time.
Frequency, duration, triggers and what reduces or worsens it.
Sleep, appetite, energy, medicines, substances and medical conditions.
Effect on work, study, relationships and daily safety.

Clinical content principles

PRJI educational pages distinguish orientation from diagnosis, include physical-health cautions and direct urgent situations to local services. Content is informed by public mental-health information from WHO, NHS and NIMH and must be clinically reviewed before commercial launch.