A client with anxiety disorder reports: 'My heart races and I feel like I'm going to die, but the doctor says nothing is wrong with my heart.' What is the correct clinical term for this experience?

PANIC ATTACKS CHARACTERISTICS: Abrupt onset; peak within 10 minutes; intense physical symptoms that mimic cardiac or respiratory emergencies; PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS: Palpitations/tachycardia; chest pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; sweating; trembling; nausea; dizziness; chills or heat sensations; paresthesias; PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: Derealization (unreal feeling) or depersonalization; fear of losing control or 'going crazy'; fear of dying; PANIC DISORDER DIAGNOSIS: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks PLUS persistent concern about future attacks OR maladaptive behavior changes due to attacks; EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT: Must first rule out actual cardiac or respiratory cause (first panic attack presentation often comes to ED); TREATMENT: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (most effective long-term); SSRIs/SNRIs (first-line medication); benzodiazepines (acute use — NOT for long-term due to dependence risk); DURING ACUTE ATTACK: Stay with client; calm reassurance; slow breathing guidance (not hyperventilate into paper bag — outdated and potentially harmful); acknowledge the experience is real and distressing.