Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Panic refers to an intense feeling of fear or anxiety that arises suddenly and overwhelms an individual. It often leads to irrational thoughts and impulsive actions.
Related terms
Anxiety disorder: A mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear about everyday situations, often leading to panic attacks.
Fight-or-flight response: The body's natural instinctive reaction when faced with immediate danger or threat; it prepares us either to confront or escape from the situation.
An extreme fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations (e.g., arachnophobia - fear of spiders), which can lead to panic-like reactions when encountered.