Panic attacks, characterized by sudden intense fear and physical symptoms like racing heart and breathlessness, can mimic medical emergencies, often leading to hospital visits. Dr. Trideep Choudhury explains these episodes are severe anxiety paroxysms that are distressing due to their unpredictability and intensity. Understanding panic attacks and learning to manage them is crucial for reducing fear and aiding recovery, as they are not life-threatening despite their alarming nature.