Australian meteorologist's panic attack on air sheds light on disorder

An Australian weather presenter who suffered a panic attack on air is using the moment to spread awareness about the mental health disorder.

An Australian weather presenter who suffered a panic attack on air is using the moment to spread awareness about the mental health disorder.

Nate Byrne was describing the forecast for eastern Australia on ABC News Breakfast, a morning news show, when he abruptly ended his segment Tuesday morning.

"I'm actually going to need to stop for a second," he said, clutching his hands while appearing to maintain his composure on the outside. "Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by some panic attacks and actually that's happening right now."

He then asked his colleague Lisa Millar to continue the show as he dealt with the panic attack.

A panic disorder results in a panic attack that happens frequently and unexpectedly, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). When a panic attack strikes, a person suddenly feels intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, feeling heart palpitations, having shortness of breath or feeling like choking. A panic attack is not considered a panic disorder if it is rare and expected to happen. A panic disorder is also a type of anxiety disorder.

Byrne's colleagues immediately offered their support.