The core symptom of panic disorder is the panic attack, an overwhelming fear of being in danger, during which the individual may experience 

• Pounding heart or chest pain
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking
• Shortness of breath or sensation of choking
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling unreal or disconnected
• Fear of losing control, "going Crazy," or dying
• Numbness
• Chills or hot flashes

Because these attacks occur unexpectedly and seemingly without reason, people with panic disorder often first believe that they are having a heart attack.

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