Physical Panic Symptoms
The sudden onset of intense physical symptoms accompanying a panic attack, including rapid heart rate, breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, and sweating. These symptoms arise from acute activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Quick answer
Physical panic symptoms (ICD-10: F41.0; ICD-11: 6B01) are driven by acute sympathetic activation. First presentations with chest pain require cardiac exclusion. CBT has the strongest evidence. Breathing retraining and mindfulness are effective adjuncts. Avoidance behaviour reinforces panic disorder and should be targeted.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Sudden rapid or pounding heartbeat
Shortness of breath or feeling unable to breathe deeply
Chest tightness or pain
Dizziness, light-headedness, or feeling faint
Sweating, trembling, tingling in hands or face, and nausea
What is Physical Panic Symptoms?
The sudden onset of intense physical symptoms accompanying a panic attack, including rapid heart rate, breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, and sweating. These symptoms arise from acute activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Physical Panic Symptoms, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Autonomic nervous system — sympathetic / parasympathetic balance.
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