A panic attack is an interconnected physiological and psychological event; while it is categorized as a mental health symptom, it manifests primarily through intense physical sensations. Mentally, an attack is characterized by an "abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort," often accompanied by thoughts of impending doom or a loss of control. Physically, however, the body enters a full "fight-or-flight" mode, releasing a flood of adrenaline that causes a pounding heart, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and chest pain—symptoms so severe that many people mistake them for a heart attack. In 2026, medical consensus views panic attacks as a "false alarm" where the brain's amygdala (the fear center) overreacts to a perceived threat, triggering a physical response that is disproportionate to the actual danger. Treatment often involves addressing both sides: using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe the mental triggers and using grounding techniques or medications to calm the physical nervous system. While the "spark" may be mental, the "fire" is very much physical, making it a truly holistic experience for the sufferer.