Sudden anxiety, racing heart, dizziness — panic attacks often strike unexpectedly and feel life-threatening. But what’s behind them? We explain how panic disorders develop, the typical symptoms, and why cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is key to recovery. Anxiety starts in the brain, triggering stress hormones and putting the body on high alert. Those affected experience a vicious cycle of physical and psychological reactions. Modern treatments like exposure therapy help break the cycle and restore quality of life. For acute attacks, simple coping techniques can provide quick relief.