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How long does a panic attack last?

268 Answers
Last Updated: 01/18/2021 at 11:40pm
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Top Rated Answers
ChinaRose
November 28th, 2016 3:36am
My panic attacks usually only last about 3-5 minutes start to finish (not including the deep sleep after), but it feels like they last for hours sometimes. That includes the funny light-headedness, hyperventilating, sweating, blurred vision, everything. So much to cram into 3-5 minutes...
Anonymous
September 26th, 2016 8:04pm
A panic attack will last anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes, though it will feel like much longer.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2016 7:41am
there is no certain amount of how long a panic attack lasts, as it depends on what caused the panic and whether there is a way to calm down from it yourself or from assistance
EmilyAnnMarie
June 7th, 2016 11:26pm
It depends on you. Some people know ho to cope and it ends quicker, but if you let the anxiety take over, it'll be as long as your brain takes to calm itself.
CloudySnowflake
May 23rd, 2016 10:18pm
The length of a panic attack can vary from 5-10 minutes, to half an hour/an hour. It's different for everyone!
kindVoice73
May 17th, 2016 11:44pm
They last anywhere from 10-20 minutes usually. Some may last even longer, an hour or more but this is rare.
colourfulSummer61
April 2nd, 2016 4:04pm
From Personal experience, I've found that they very much vary, depending on the stage of the panic attack im in. Iv'e found that mild Panic attacks can last me up to 5 minutes. and for me my most severe panic attack was 8 hours off and on for 15 minute bursts of physical shaking, but normally if I have a panic attack its mild to moderate and it lasts about 10 minutes but it can vary greatly from person to person, but if the panic attack manifests its self in a physical way it can last longer than a mild non physical panic attack. I hope this helped and is not meant to scare anyone having panic attacks.
Anonymous
March 24th, 2016 3:54pm
honestly, the time can vary from person to person. But for me, it has only lasted no more than 5 minutes or so at a time.
Anonymous
March 24th, 2016 12:37pm
You either have to remove yourself from the situation that is causing the attack or think positive thoughts
piercethejessie
March 24th, 2016 12:38am
It depends. If you are able to calm yourself, it could be anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. The longest panic attack I've had lasted for 2 hours.
Profiter001
March 20th, 2016 11:19pm
They last different times for different people. So they usually range from maybe 30 seconds to as long as 2 hours for me
Anonymous
March 18th, 2016 11:01pm
A panic attack can last for a minute to a few hours then it goes away for a while and depending what triggers it it might come back for some people but for others its gone forever.
incarnadinepetals
March 18th, 2016 9:46pm
It develops within 10 minutes and most panic attacks end after twenty or thirty minutes! They rarely last more than an hour
WiltedFlowers
February 10th, 2016 11:52pm
The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes, and they rarely last more than an hour.
elliejade
February 10th, 2016 7:50pm
It can differ from person to person, but the person normally because peak (or okay) at 10 minutes, most ends fully within 20 to 30 minutes. They rarely end at an hour but they have been told to end at an hour.
aaron182
February 7th, 2016 6:34pm
The majority of the time not long at all. It can depends on how well you handle it but I would say 30 seconds max. The after feelings might last longer but the attack itself not very long.
bubblingGrace29
February 5th, 2016 11:29pm
It varies upon the person, and it can last a while depending on the person who is having the attack.
Anonymous
February 5th, 2016 7:32pm
For me, it could last up to fifteen or twenty minutes, but most of the time I had one or more after that, so the fear could last for up to an hour.
HotPotato
February 5th, 2016 2:49am
A panic attack usually lasts from 5-30 minutes (this is rare.) With breathing exercises and/or cognitive therapy you can greatly shorten the time and severity of the attacks.
beckaboo511
January 30th, 2016 3:46pm
A panic attack can last a few minutes, or it could last a half hour. I've had them fade after about a minute, and I've had them keep me shaky for hours.
Anonymous
January 30th, 2016 2:57pm
"The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes, and they rarely last more than an hour." http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/panic-attacks-and-panic-disorders.htm Although they can be scary and it feels like it will never end, I often find it helpful to think of my last one and remember it ended and I got through it.
lovelulux
January 28th, 2016 1:33pm
Your body can sustain 'fight or flight' (a panic attack) for 10 - 30 minutes. However, after a panic attack you may be more prone to having another.
Jenn85
January 27th, 2016 12:57pm
Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. The symptoms usually go into full effect after a few minutes, but some panic attacks last much longer. On average, panic attacks last 20-30 minutes. However, it's not uncommon for one panic attack to trigger another, effectively creating a "rolling panic attack" that can last for an hour or more.
Kuvira14
January 27th, 2016 3:47am
It depends from person to person. It can take a few minutes,or hours. It is about how fast someone can wind down
dreamwithmelovers31
January 24th, 2016 10:17pm
Panic attacks are different for everyone. they usually pass within about 5-10 minutes. however, it can vary for every person.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2016 5:13pm
Usually the worst of it is about 10 minutes. If you ever need coping techniques or you are struggling please feel free to contact me
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2016 8:33am
It begins hours after and it may last weeks and months,sometimes years if you didn't attend it to find professional help.
Kryssy88
January 2nd, 2016 4:59pm
They can last quite a while. try slowing down your breathing. Take deep breathes in thew your nose and out threw your mouth , ten times. Count to 50, say your colors out loud, say the alphabet. do some kind of activity to get your mind off of what ever it is that is giving you this panic attack
Pat
January 2nd, 2016 10:00pm
A panic attack can last for less than a minute or it can last several minutes. There is no official limit for long a panic attack can last, but they do indeed end eventually. This can be something that is helpful to keep in mind if you are experiencing one. It doesn't last forever.
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 3:26pm
Most panic attacks last 20-30 minutes, and very rarely last more than an hour. They tend to reach their peak after about 10-15 minutes. That said, the resulting emotions can last much longer. While the hyperventilation and uncontrollable worry might end, they can be fatiguing, and they can really offset the rest of your day, or even week.