Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack: Understanding the Difference

Racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing—is it a panic attack or an anxiety attack? At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County understand what they're experiencing and find effective treatment.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear that triggers severe physical symptoms—often without any obvious danger. They typically peak within minutes and can feel so severe that people fear they're having a heart attack or dying.

Panic attack symptoms include:

• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or smothering sensation
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling
• Feeling detached from reality

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

"Anxiety attack" isn't an official clinical term—but people use it to describe the buildup of anxiety symptoms that become overwhelming. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety symptoms typically build gradually in response to stress rather than striking suddenly.

Key Differences

• Onset: Panic attacks hit suddenly; anxiety builds over time
• Trigger: Panic attacks often occur without obvious cause; anxiety usually has identifiable stressors
• Intensity: Panic attacks are typically more intense and shorter
• Duration: Panic attacks peak in ~10 minutes; anxiety can persist for hours or days

When to Seek Help

If panic attacks are recurring and affecting your daily life, you may have panic disorder. This is highly treatable with medication (SSRIs, SNRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy. About 5% of Americans experience panic disorder at some point.