Panic attacks are bouts of intense fear or apprehension which have a sudden onset and can last from minutes to several hours. People who experience a panic attack (commonly those experiencing it for the first time) will often fear they are having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. The most common symptoms may include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, hot flashes, cold flashes, burning sensations (particularly in the facial or neck area), sweating, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, hyperventilation, tingling sensations, sensations of choking or smothering, difficulty moving and derealization.