Are panic attacks and anxiety attacks the same thing?

Not quite, experts say. Although they have some similarities, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are two distinct experiences, says Nicole Erkfitz, LCSW, the executive director of A Mission for Michael Healthcare in McLean, Virginia, a mental health practice that treats anxiety disorders.

But many people mistakenly use these terms interchangeably, leading to confusion about mental health diagnoses and seeking appropriate help, adds Erkfitz.

That’s why it’s so important to know the differences between the two, their potential health effects, and the treatment options for each.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a swift, sudden, overwhelming physiological and emotional response, says Deborah Serani, PsyD, a psychologist and senior adjunct professor at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.

“It’s a frightening and uncomfortable mind-body moment that signals a flight-fight-freeze response. Simply stated, the body is flooded with stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, that perch you in a hyperarousal state,” explains Dr. Serani.

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

Fast heart rate
Chest pain
Hyperventilation
Trembling
Nausea
Chills
Sweating
Feelings of intense terror
A choking sensation
Fear of a loss of control
Feeling like you might die
Feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from yourself (depersonalization)

Many children and adults report that a panic attack feels as if they’re going to die. It’s a dreadful and highly unbearable experience.

— Deborah Serani, PsyD

Panic attacks are meant to serve as a defensive or protective mechanism; however, there’s often no specific trigger that can be identified, as the person is usually in no real danger, says Erkfitz.

Panic attacks are the hallmark symptom of panic disorder (an anxiety disorder characterized by regular and recurring panic attacks), but they can also happen alongside other anxiety disorders, such as phobias, as well as mood disorders or trauma-related disorders.

Approximately 11 percent of people in the United States experience a panic attack each year, and up to 3 percent have panic disorder, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Although panic attacks are usually accompanied by physical symptoms and can feel intense, they’re usually not physically harmful to your health. However, they can be detrimental to your mental health and quality of life, so it’s important to seek professional help if you think you’re experiencing panic attacks.

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

Unlike the term “panic attack,” “anxiety attack” is not a formal clinical term used by health professionals. It’s a colloquial term used to describe feelings of anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety may include:

Feeling fear or uneasiness
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
Sweaty or cold hands
Dry mouth
Nausea
Tension in your muscles
Inability to be calm or still
Difficulty sleeping
Restlessness
Racing heart

The symptoms of anxiety usually build up gradually and tend to be triggered by specific stressors. These symptoms are closely related to various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but they can happen to people without anxiety disorders too.

People with GAD tend to have constant, excessive, and unrealistic worries about minor, everyday things such as chores, job responsibilities, or health.

Anxiety disorders are very common, with about 30 percent of Americans experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?

Symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic attacks can resemble one another in some ways, says Erkfitz. Shared symptoms between the two can include trouble breathing, a racing or irregular heartbeat, and feelings of anxiety, she adds.

But they also differ in various ways, notes Erkfitz. “Among the key distinctions are the ability to identify and acknowledge triggers, the manner in which the episode builds up, and the severity of its manifestation.”

The key differences between panic and anxiety attacks are:

Panic attacks happen swiftly and suddenly, whereas anxiety attacks happen gradually.
Panic attacks generally do not have a known triggering event, while anxiety attacks do.
Panic attacks cause very intense feelings (like you’re going to die), and even a feeling of being disconnected from reality. Anxiety attacks cause feelings of worry and dread, but not nearly as intensely as panic attacks.
Panic attacks cause intense bodily responses, such as chest pain, a racing heart, trembling, and nausea or vomiting. Anxiety attacks also cause physiological responses, but to a less extreme degree, and they tend to include a racing heart, muscle tension, nausea, an inability to feel calm or stay still, and trouble sleeping.

When Should I Get Help for a Panic Attack or Anxiety Attack?

“It is imperative for individuals facing these symptoms to reach out for assistance and support,” states Erkfitz.

Seeking help is an act of courage and self-compassion, and it can significantly contribute to one’s overall well-being and recovery.

— Nicole Erkfitz, LCSW

The type of help you should seek depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing. Panic attacks can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. If you are experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or have panic attacks that last longer than 15 minutes, you should seek emergency medical help by dialing 911 or going to a nearby emergency room.

If you don’t feel you’re having an emergency but are experiencing panic attacks or intense anxiety that negatively affects your quality of life, you should still schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, says Serani.

“I always recommend the first line of intervention is to see your general practitioner. We want to make sure that there are no other medical conditions that could ‘look like’ an anxiety disorder,” she states.

Once your doctor rules out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, a referral to a mental health professional is the next step. This can come from your primary care doctor, your insurance company, or a word-of-mouth referral from a friend or loved one, says Serani.

Treatments for panic attacks and anxiety attacks have some overlap, she adds. Psychotherapy can help manage both. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may also discuss medications with you, such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.

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