In short
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes, with strong physical symptoms like a pounding heart and breathlessness, often out of the blue. “Anxiety attack” isn’t a medical term; people usually use it for anxiety that builds more gradually in response to a worry and lasts longer.
On this page
The short answer
“Panic attack” is a defined medical term. “Anxiety attack” isn’t, but people use it to describe a period of intense anxiety. The main differences are in how suddenly they start, how intense they are and how long they last.
Side by side
| Panic attack | “Anxiety attack” | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden, peaks within minutes | Builds gradually |
| Trigger | Can come out of the blue, or with a trigger | Usually linked to a worry or stressful situation |
| Intensity | Very intense, often fear of dying or losing control | Mild to severe, but usually less overwhelming |
| Duration | Usually peaks within 10 minutes and passes within about half an hour | Can last hours or longer |
| Physical symptoms | Strong: pounding heart, breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, tingling | Often present but less intense: tension, restlessness, upset stomach |
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What a panic attack involves
A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort with several physical and mental symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking, breathlessness, choking feelings, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, tingling, chills or hot flushes, feeling unreal, and fear of losing control or dying. See what is a panic attack.
How common are they?
A large US survey found that more than a quarter of adults had had at least one panic attack in their lifetime, while a much smaller proportion developed panic disorder, which involves repeated attacks and ongoing fear of having more.
What helps in the moment
- Remind yourself it will pass, and that panic, while frightening, isn’t dangerous
- Slow your breathing: in through your nose for about four seconds, out for about six
- Ground yourself: name five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear
- Don’t fight the feelings; let them rise and fall
What helps longer term
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Exercise, good sleep and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol help too. A GP can arrange a mental health treatment plan for access to Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions for eligible people.
When to get help
Call 000 if you have chest pain, especially the first time or if you’re not sure what’s happening, because a heart problem can feel similar. See a GP if attacks keep happening or you’re avoiding things because of them. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Jin R, et al. The epidemiology of panic attacks, panic disorder, and agoraphobia in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(4):415-24.
- Craske MG, Stein MB, Eley TC, et al. Anxiety disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17024.
- Penninx BW, Pine DS, Holmes EA, et al. Anxiety disorders. Lancet. 2021;397(10277):914-927.
- healthdirect. Panic attacks and panic disorder.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.