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During acute attack: Stay with client; calm reassurance; slow breathing guidance (not hyperventilate into paper bag — outdated and potentially harmful); acknowledge the experience is real and distressing.