Acute episode of intense anxiety and feelings of panic, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, sweating, gastrointestinal complaints, and feelings of imminent disaster. The attacks usually occur suddenly, may last from a few seconds to an hour or more, and may occur infrequently or several times a day. Treatment includes reassurance; the use of anxiolytic and ataraxic drugs, sedation, if necessary; and often psychotherapy to alleviate the underlying causes.
An imprecise term for sudden onset of anxiety, sometimes accompanied by a sense of imminent danger or impending doom and an urge to escape.