Phobias

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of overwhelming fear and anxiety that often occurs without warning. While they can be incredibly frightening - sometimes making people feel as though they are having a heart attack or losing control -it is important to remember that they are not physically dangerous.

Most attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes, though the "after-effects" can leave you feeling physically drained for much longer.

In the UK, it’s estimated that at least one in ten people will experience an occasional panic attack. When these attacks become frequent or happen for no apparent reason, a GP may investigate whether it is part of panic disorder.