A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which at least four of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within minutes: palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate sweating trembling or shaking sensations of shortness of breath or smothering feeling of choking chest pain or discomfort nausea or abdominal distress feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint chills or heat sensations paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself) fear of losing control or going crazy fear of dying |