Common anxiety symptom?

[AO111]

It seems that when ever I have an attack my senses become hyper-aware (lights seem brighter, noises seem louder) yet at the same time my mind goes blank and I feel like I can't think or process any information so I get even more frightened because all this sensory information is coming at me yet the panic has my mind on lock down.

[AO111]

Very scary

[dolphin8808]

I am not sure how to combat that feeling but I do know exactly what you are talking about! Frustrating and scary at the same time.

[AO111]

Yeah that makes sense, and sometimes it even feels like I leave my body in the sense that when my mind feels like it blanks out I feel I become unaware of my arms and legs and such. It's not fun when I'm driving or walking through a store. Is there any way I can combat the feeling of my mind shutting down?

[Paxiled]

Actually, as you describe it, and it sounds about right, your mind is the opposite of on lockdown, it's overstimulated by the release of too much cortisol from the adrenal gland so you can fight or fly.  We feel like we can't think clearly, but in fact our minds are on high alert and extremely aware.  What we feel and what's actually happening aren't the same, and that's the nature of the disorder.