French not available (refer to old site at www.virtual-party.org)
A panic attack is an acute wave of fear that suddenly hits you. People can think they are either having a heart attack or going crazy. The attack is intense, and the heart races, sweat pours, feeling of nausea rise, and dizziness sweeps over the person. Afterwards, the person can feel odd for hours, as if things are unreal or scary. If someone keeps getting panic attacks, he or she may start to stay at home, afraid to go outside, ride public transit, go in elevators and so on. There are very effective treatments for panic attacks -- a doctor can help.