Am I Having a Panic Attack? Signs, Causes, and Help

A panic attack can feel overwhelming and frightening, especially the first time it happens. Many people worry they are having a heart attack, losing control, or “going crazy.” In reality, panic attacks are common, highly distressing, and treatable. If you are searching for answers, a thorough psychiatric evaluation can help clarify whether your symptoms are related to panic attacks, panic disorder, another anxiety condition, or a medical issue that needs attention.

At Dr. Q, MD in Irvine, CA, Dr. Tarina Quraishi provides expert psychiatric care for Pediatric & Adult patients. As a Stanford-trained, double board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist, she offers thoughtful diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for anxiety and panic symptoms, helping patients understand what is happening and what steps can bring relief.

What does a panic attack feel like?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or physical discomfort that peaks within minutes. It can happen unexpectedly or in response to a trigger, such as stress, crowded spaces, driving, conflict, health worries, or reminders of a past event. Symptoms can be so intense that people often seek urgent medical care before realizing anxiety may be involved.

Common panic attack symptoms include:

• Racing heart or pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Sweating or shaking
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Tingling or numbness
• Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
• Fear of dying, passing out, or losing control

Although panic attacks are not usually dangerous in themselves, they can mimic serious medical conditions. New chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms that seem unusual for you should always be medically evaluated.

How do I know if it is a panic attack or something else?

A proper diagnosis matters because panic symptoms can overlap with other mental health and medical concerns. For example, thyroid problems, heart rhythm issues, asthma, medication side effects, stimulant use, substance use, and sleep deprivation can all contribute to symptoms that feel like panic. Anxiety can also occur alongside depression, trauma-related conditions, OCD, ADHD, or social anxiety.

A psychiatric evaluation typically looks at:

1. Symptom pattern: how often attacks happen, how long they last, and whether they come “out of the blue” or have triggers
2. Physical symptoms: chest discomfort, breathing changes, dizziness, GI symptoms, and sleep disruption
3. Thought patterns: fear of embarrassment, fear of dying, catastrophic thinking, or avoidance
4. Functional impact: missed work or school, avoidance of driving, travel, crowds, exercise, or being alone
5. Medical and family history: past anxiety, trauma, medications, caffeine intake, and family history of panic or mood disorders

If you have repeated panic attacks and begin worrying about future episodes or changing your behavior to avoid them, you may be dealing with panic disorder. An experienced Irvine psychiatrist can help determine the difference and recommend treatment that fits your needs.

What causes panic attacks?

There is rarely one single cause. Panic attacks usually develop from a combination of biological sensitivity, stress, learned fear responses, and life circumstances. Some people are naturally more prone to physical anxiety symptoms, while others notice panic after a major stressor or period of burnout.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Genetics and family history of anxiety or panic
• Chronic stress, major transitions, or relationship strain
• Trauma or unresolved fear responses
• Poor sleep and exhaustion
• High caffeine intake, nicotine, cannabis, or stimulants
• Other psychiatric conditions such as generalized anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD

In children, teens, and adults, panic symptoms may show up differently. Younger patients may describe stomachaches, feeling “weird,” crying spells, school avoidance, or fear of separation rather than clearly identifying a panic attack. This is one reason specialized Pediatric & Adult psychiatric care can be so valuable.

When should I see a psychiatrist for panic attacks?

You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe. It is a good idea to seek an evaluation if panic symptoms are happening more than once, interfering with daily life, causing avoidance, disrupting school or work, or making you feel constantly on edge. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more persistent over time.

You may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist in Irvine CA if:

• You have recurring episodes of intense fear or physical symptoms
• You avoid places or situations because you fear another attack
• Your sleep, concentration, school, or work is being affected
• You also struggle with depression, trauma symptoms, ADHD, or OCD
• You want a clear diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plan

At Dr. Q, MD, Dr. Quraishi takes time to understand the full picture. For some patients, panic is the main issue. For others, it is connected to broader anxiety, mood symptoms, academic stress, executive functioning challenges, or family stressors. Related services may include comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and coordinated support for co-occurring concerns affecting school, work, or daily functioning.

What treatments help with panic attacks?

The good news is that panic attacks are very treatable. Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis and a plan tailored to your age, symptoms, medical history, and goals. For some people, education about panic and practical coping strategies are enough to create significant improvement. Others benefit from medication or a broader anxiety treatment approach.

Treatment options may include:

• Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis to rule out other causes and identify panic disorder or related anxiety conditions
• Medication management when appropriate to reduce the frequency or intensity of panic symptoms
• Lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, reducing caffeine, and managing stress
• Skills-based strategies for breathing, grounding, and responding to catastrophic thoughts
• Pediatric & Adult treatment planning that considers school demands, family dynamics, and developmental needs

If panic attacks are affecting a child or teen, treatment may also include guidance for parents, coordination around school stressors, and support for related issues such as attention problems, anxiety-driven avoidance, or academic impairment. A careful evaluation helps determine what is most helpful and whether additional services are needed.

Frequently asked questions about panic attacks

Can panic attacks happen without a trigger?

Yes. Some panic attacks seem to come out of nowhere, even during calm moments or sleep. That does not mean the symptoms are “all in your head.” It means your body’s alarm system may be activating too strongly, and a psychiatric evaluation can help identify why.

Are panic attacks dangerous?

Panic attacks themselves are usually not dangerous, but they can feel intense and can look like a medical emergency. If symptoms are new, severe, or concerning, medical assessment is important. Once urgent medical issues are ruled out, an Irvine psychiatrist can help with diagnosis and treatment.

Can children and teens have panic attacks too?

Absolutely. Panic attacks can occur in children, teens, and adults. Younger patients may have trouble describing what they feel, so symptoms may show up as school refusal, irritability, clinginess, stomachaches, or avoidance. Pediatric & Adult psychiatric care can help clarify symptoms and guide treatment.

If you have been searching for a psychiatrist in Irvine CA for panic attack diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment, compassionate expert care is available. Dr. Tarina Quraishi brings specialized training in both pediatric and adult psychiatry, helping patients and families feel understood while building a practical plan for recovery.