What is a common symptom of a panic attack?

Hyperventilation is a common symptom of a panic attack because it occurs when a person breathes very quickly or deeply, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can result in physical sensations often associated with panic attacks, such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Individuals experiencing a panic attack may react by trying to breathe faster due to their heightened anxiety, which can exacerbate their symptoms.

In contrast, excessive thirst is not a typical symptom linked to panic attacks; it could be indicative of other medical issues, such as dehydration or diabetes. Unresponsiveness generally suggests a more severe condition, such as shock or a medical emergency rather than the transient state of panic. Prolonged fainting indicates a loss of consciousness or significant physiological distress which does not align with the typical manifestation of a panic attack. Panic attacks, while intense, are usually characterized by periods of heightened anxiety rather than an inability to respond or a long-lasting loss of consciousness.