There are a few mental health issues that, when at their peak, can exhibit a similar constellation of symptoms, which usually include extreme emotional dysregulation, high subjective distress, overt behavioral reactions to that stress, a subjective feeling of spinning out of control, a difficulty to being accessed and reasoned with, and often a misperceiving of reality. In the past, the term nervous breakdowns described such an event. But this is not a diagnosable disorder, but rather a cultural euphemism. Instead there are three possibilities for the condition described above. Each has unique characteristics with very different treatments.
Panic Attack: For an individual who has never experienced this event, it can seem similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. The sudden onset of intense fear usually reaches a peak within minutes. Initially, most are unable to identify the fear that caused the event. It is only after some counseling that the trigger can be recognized and properly addressed. Other symptoms of panic attack include: pounding heart, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or heat sensations, numbness or tingling sensations, de-realization or depersonalization, fear of losing control, and fear of dying. It is important to rule out a medical condition, but once physical symptoms have subsided and there is no finding other than a panic attack, a counselor can assist in discovering the cause and aid in treatment.
Manic Episode: Another similar symptom set could be a manic episode that may or may not be pat of a bipolar disorder or another form of depression. Unlike panic a panic attack, periods of mania tend to be longer lasting and have less panicky physical symptoms. Rather, the episode creates a larger than life impression. The main characteristics of mania are: intense feelings of euphoria, fast speech/talkative, racing thoughts, impulsive and high-risk behaviors (e.g. shopping, gambling, sex etc.), insomnia or feels rested only after a few hours of sleep, ideas of grandeur (feels like you can do anything), easily distracted, increase in goal-directed activity, and a discernable pattern of episodes. It is best to see a psychiatrist or psychologist to get a proper diagnosis of mania. The good news is that this condition can be largely treated by medication because it is an issue of brain chemistry and not a manifestation of intense fear or anxiety.
Brief Psychotic Episode: The last possibility could be a brief psychotic episode. While the name may sound a bit intimidating, the condition is more common than realized. This does not mean a person has a psychotic disorder, although it might be an indicator of one. Usually this lasts for a couple of hours to several days but no longer than a month. It is characterized by the following symptoms: delusions (beliefs without any basis in reality), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that re not actually present), disorganized speech, severely disorganized or catatonic behavior, and no discernable pattern of episodes. To receive best diagnosis, it is good to be treated at a mental health facility for this condition. A combination of medication and rest might be just what is needed. Anyone can have a one-time episode; it is in no way a sign of weakness or defeat.