How Many People Have Panic Attacks? Facts, Support, and Next Steps
Panic attacks are much more common than many people realize.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 11% of adults in the United States experience a panic attack each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022).
Panic attacks can happen once or occasionally for some people, while others may experience repeated attacks as part of a broader condition called Panic Disorder.
Panic Disorder affects about 2–3% of U.S. adults every year (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Globally, studies suggest that up to 13% of people worldwide will experience at least one panic attack during their lifetime (Goodwin et al., 2005).
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes.
During a panic attack, it's common to experience physical symptoms such as:
A racing or pounding heart
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Sweating or chills
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Trembling or shaking
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Feelings of detachment from reality (derealization) or from oneself (depersonalization)
Fear of losing control, "going crazy," or dying
These symptoms occur even when there is no real danger present.
The body’s "fight-or-flight" response becomes activated, leading to very real and intense physical sensations.
Although panic attacks can feel frightening, they are not dangerous. They are temporary, and with the right support and strategies, they can be managed and significantly reduced over time (American Psychological Association, 2023).
Quick Facts:
U.S. adults experiencing a panic attack each year ~11%
U.S. adults diagnosed with Panic Disorder each year ~2–3%
Global lifetime prevalence of at least one panic attack ~13%
A Compassionate Note
If you've experienced a panic attack, you're not alone—and you're not broken.
Panic attacks are incredibly common and treatable.
Many people find that with the right support, education, and practice, they can understand their body's fear response, develop skills to ride out the sensations, and rebuild a life of freedom and confidence.
Whether you've had a single panic attack or are coping with frequent panic episodes, help is available—and healing is absolutely possible.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If panic attacks have been overwhelming your life, there is hope—and support is closer than you might think.
I offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for panic attacks and anxiety, helping you:
Understand what’s happening in your body and mind
Learn proven strategies to manage panic
Build confidence in facing situations that once felt overwhelming
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about how we can work together.
We'll discuss your goals, explore how therapy could support you, and answer any questions you have—no pressure, just a supportive conversation.
Click [here] to book your free consultation, or reach out by phone at [phone number] or email at [email address].
You deserve a life where fear no longer holds you back—and it would be an honor to walk alongside you on that journey.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
American Psychological Association. (2023). Panic disorder. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder
Goodwin, R. D., Faravelli, C., Rosi, S., Cosci, F., Truglia, E., de Graaf, R., & Wittchen, H.-U. (2005). The epidemiology of panic disorder and agoraphobia in Europe. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 15(4), 435–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2005.04.006
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Panic disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder