One of the key features of a panic attack is the panic fear cycle, where physical sensations and anxious thoughts reinforce each other. This cycle can make panic attack symptoms become more intense within a short period. A typical panic fear cycle looks like this: A normal body sensation → It is interpreted as dangerous → Fear increases → The body’s fight-or-flight response becomes stronger → Physical symptoms worsen → Fear increases even further For example, a person may notice a racing heartbeat and immediately think, “I’m having a heart attack.” This frightening interpretation increases anxiety, causing the heart to beat even faster and strengthening the panic attack. This cycle helps explain why panic disorder and anxiety disorders can feel so overwhelming, even when there is no immediate physical danger. Learning how thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms interact is an important part of understanding panic attacks. Recognising the panic fear cycle can reduce misinterpretation of normal body sensations and improve awareness of how panic attacks develop and persist. Dr. Aditya Patil Consultant Psychiatrist Mana Sajjana Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Pune