Final answer:
A panic attack is an intense anxiety reaction characterized by a sense of losing control and a fear of impending doom, related to the fight-or-flight response of the alarm reaction stage in the general adaptation syndrome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intense experience of anxiety that includes feelings of losing control and impending doom is commonly referred to as a panic attack. This response is part of the fight-or-flight system, a set of reactions triggered by perceived threats, which is deeply rooted in our nervous system and has evolved as an adaptation for survival. The initial stage of the general adaptation syndrome is known as the alarm reaction, and it's characterized by a burst of energy and physiological readiness to either confront or flee from danger. In the context of a panic attack, this can often manifest without the presence of a real physical threat, instead being triggered by intense psychological stressors.
The attack is a heightened manifestation of the body's physiological response to stress, but when such stress is prolonged and becomes a chronic condition, it can lead to negative health consequences. Understanding these psychological and physical responses can help us in addressing and managing anxiety and panic attacks more effectively.