The study found that panic attacks were experienced as overwhelming, frightening, and isolating events that left adolescents feeling out of control and unable to think clearly. Participants commonly feared losing control of their minds, felt embarrassed by their symptoms, and struggled with feelings of shame and disconnection from others. Mental images were reported as an important part of panic attacks and often intensified the experience of fear. Overall, the findings suggest that adolescent panic attacks share many features with adult cognitive models of panic but also have unique developmental implications that should be considered in treatment.