At Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health in Orange County, we treat people every day who struggle with panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder. One of the most common fears people have is: “Can I faint or pass out during a panic attack?” The fear makes sense—panic attacks come with frightening physical symptoms like a racing heart rate, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and even chest pain that feels similar to a heart attack. But while the experience can feel life-threatening, panic attacks are rarely dangerous in terms of physical harm.
This blog explores what really happens in the body during a panic attack, why people sometimes feel like they’re about to faint, and what you can do to reduce the risk of passing out.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort, usually peaking within minutes. It is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, driven by the nervous system. For some people, panic attacks happen once or twice in life. For others, repeated panic attacks lead to panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder that often requires professional care.
Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shaking or sweating
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Tunnel vision or blurred vision
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Feelings of unreality or detachment
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
These symptoms are terrifying, but they are not usually signs of real danger—they’re physical effects of the body’s alarm system.
Why Panic Attacks Can Make You Feel Like You’ll Pass Out
Even though panic attacks aren’t typically life-threatening, many people report feeling like they’re about to faint. Here’s why:
Hyperventilation and Carbon Dioxide Levels
When you panic, you may start breathing faster and shallower—a process called hyperventilation. This causes you to blow off too much carbon dioxide, which alters the balance of oxygen in your blood. The change can cause feelings of faintness, tingling, or dizziness.
Blood Pressure and Blood Flow
Most panic attacks cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate as your body prepares to “fight or flee.” However, for some people, especially those with phobias like a fear of needles or blood, a sudden drop in blood pressure can happen. This is called vasovagal syncope, and it can lead to fainting episodes—though it’s different from what most people experience during panic attacks.
Low Blood Pressure from Over-Breathing
Hyperventilation can actually reduce blood flow to the brain by narrowing blood vessels. That restricted circulation may create dizziness, blurred vision, or a sense that you’re about to pass out.
Nervous System Overload
During a panic attack, your nervous system is working overtime. The surge of adrenaline heightens awareness of physical symptoms, making you feel like your body is shutting down. Even though fainting is rare, the combination of dizziness, feelings of emptiness, and altered blood flow can trick you into thinking collapse is imminent.
Can Panic Attacks Cause Actual Fainting?
The short answer: sometimes, but rarely.
Most people with panic disorder or anxiety attacks do not actually faint during an episode. Here’s why:
- Blood pressure usually rises during panic, which makes fainting less likely.
- Fainting tends to occur with low blood pressure, which is more common in vasovagal episodes (like passing out at the sight of blood).
- While panic can cause lightheadedness and feelings of faintness, the body’s stress response typically prevents an actual collapse.
That said, fainting is possible in certain cases, particularly if you have other health conditions or are prone to vasovagal syncope. It’s important to rule out medical conditions with a qualified healthcare provider if fainting episodes occur often.
Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference
One of the scariest aspects of panic attacks is that the physical symptoms can feel like a heart attack. Both can cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Differences:
- Panic attacks often include symptoms like tingling, trembling, tunnel vision, or a fear of “going crazy.”
- Heart attacks usually cause crushing chest pain, radiating pain into the arm or jaw, sweating, and nausea.
- Panic attacks peak quickly and subside, while heart attack pain tends to worsen or persist.
If you ever suspect a heart attack, seek immediate medical help. It’s better to be cautious.
Coping With Lightheadedness During a Panic Attack
If you start to feel faint during a panic attack, there are strategies that can help:
Breathing Exercises
- Slow, steady deep breaths help regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Try inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling slowly for six counts.
Grounding Techniques
- Focus on physical surroundings to pull your attention away from panic. For example, name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Lie Down Safely
- If you feel like you might faint, lie down or sit with your head between your knees. This promotes blood flow to the brain and reduces risk of injury.
Gentle Reassurance
- Remind yourself: “This is a panic attack. It feels awful, but it’s not life-threatening.” Recognizing that you’re not in real danger can help calm the nervous system.
Effective Treatment for Panic Disorder
While occasional panic attacks can happen to anyone, frequent attacks may indicate panic disorder or another anxiety disorder. The good news: with the right treatment plan, recovery is possible.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective therapies for panic disorder. It helps people identify panic attack causes, challenge negative thought patterns, and learn new coping skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
For people who also struggle with intense emotions or self-harm, DBT can improve emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Breathing and Relaxation Training
Learning to manage carbon dioxide levels through breathing exercises can significantly reduce panic symptoms.
Medication Management
For some, medications like SSRIs or anti-anxiety medications can stabilize the nervous system and reduce the frequency of panic attacks.
Aftercare and Support
Long-term recovery may include lifestyle changes, grounding techniques, ongoing therapy sessions, and wellness practices like mindfulness or yoga.
When to Seek Professional Help
If panic attacks interfere with your daily life or you experience frequent fainting episodes, it’s time to seek help from qualified mental health professionals. Left untreated, panic disorder can worsen and increase the risk of co-occurring disorders like depression or substance abuse.
Clinics like Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health in California specialize in treating anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and other mental health conditions with evidence-based treatment. Our team of mental health clinicians in Orange County create personalized care plans using CBT, DBT, medication management, and holistic approaches tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Final Thoughts: Can You Pass Out From a Panic Attack?
It’s possible, but not common. Most panic attacks create a spike in blood pressure, which prevents fainting. However, hyperventilation, changes in blood flow, or conditions like vasovagal syncope can sometimes lead to fainting episodes. The important thing to remember is that panic attacks, while frightening, are not usually life-threatening.
If you or a loved one is struggling with panic attacks, don’t wait to get help. At Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help people regain control, manage symptoms, and restore a sense of peace and wellness.
Call our mental health clinic in Fresno today to learn more about our anxiety and panic disorder treatment programs in California and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
