Which of the following is a typical symptom of a panic attack?

A panic attack is characterized by a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. During this experience, individuals often report a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. Heart palpitations and feelings of choking are classic symptoms associated with panic attacks. The racing heart and perception of difficulty breathing contribute to the overwhelming sensation of fear, which is a hallmark of a panic attack.

In contrast, elevated mood and energetic behavior are not indicative of a panic attack, as these symptoms are more closely associated with conditions like mania or hypomania. Long-lasting sadness and lack of interest typically align with depressive disorders, rather than anxiety or panic disorders. Similarly, while withdrawal from social situations can occur in anxiety disorders, it is more characteristic of conditions like social anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder, rather than the acute experience of a panic attack. Therefore, the symptoms of heart palpitations and feelings of choking distinctly represent the acute anxiety and physical response that defines a panic attack.