as i understand it, a 'panic attack' is essentially a chemical dump by glands in the brain,, especially adrenalin and what i call "chemical terror", for lack of a better name. if you are having adrenalin surges, tachycardia (rapid heart beat) and rapid shallow breathing, you are having what i call a "stress attack".. either way, the kidneys can clean out the blood stream of these chemicals in about 15 minutes if they are not re-triggered. the skills recommended for handling those 15 minutes are: be mindful of your breathing, help it to return to normal by counting on the out-breath ~ 1001, 1002, 1003,, etc (if you loose track start over); delay taking any action to avoid the feelings or react to the stimulus that might have started them; distract yourself from thinking about what is happening , how it happened, why it happened, etc, by focussing on something trivial and mundane, such as shapes, colors, or reading anything handy, whether it makes sense or not (this engages a part of the brain that over rides the gland parts); defer refocussing on the 'attack' or it's causes or conditions, until you are well restored to "normalcy". finally, remember that this is a brain activity, triggered by thoughts, feelings, environmental factors and even blood sugar or muscle exhaustion. avoid blame, notice triggers and detox them by thinking of them when you are safe an rested. the best time to practice skills is Before you need them! best wishes,, Gus