What is a panic attack characterized by?

A panic attack is characterized by intense and unexpected feelings of terror and fear, which can overwhelm an individual suddenly and without warning. During a panic attack, individuals may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and feelings of impending doom. The sudden onset of these feelings often leads to a sense of losing control, making panic attacks particularly distressing for those who experience them.

The other options refer to different mental health conditions or symptoms. Prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness are more indicative of depression; involuntary muscle contractions during anxiety are not a defining feature of panic attacks; and delusions and hallucinations are associated with psychotic disorders rather than panic attacks. This distinction helps clarify why the correct answer accurately describes the essence of a panic attack.