Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: What’s the Difference?

 

If you’ve ever felt your heart racing, your chest tightening, or your thoughts spiraling out of control, you might have wondered—was that a panic attack or an anxiety attack? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different experiences with unique features.

Let’s break down the key differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks, what causes them, and how you can find help—whether it's through an in-person visit or a convenient telehealth appointment.

What Is a Panic Attack? 

A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming surge of fear or intense discomfort that typically peaks within 10 to 15 minutes, though it may last longer in some cases. What makes panic attacks especially frightening is that they often happen without warning—even when you're not actively feeling stressed or anxious. One moment you might feel fine, and the next, your body reacts as if it's in serious danger.

People experiencing a panic attack often feel like they’re losing control, going crazy, or even having a heart attack. In fact, many people end up in emergency rooms during their first panic attack, not knowing it was psychological rather than physical.

🔍 Why Do Panic Attacks Happen?

Although panic attacks can seem to strike out of nowhere, they may be triggered by:

  • A build-up of long-term stress
  • Traumatic memories
  • Phobias (e.g., fear of flying or enclosed spaces)
  • Health anxiety
  • Withdrawal from certain medications or substances

In some cases, panic attacks are linked to Panic Disorder, a mental health condition characterized by repeated and unexpected panic attacks, and an ongoing fear of having more.

🚨 Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack:

A panic attack can affect both your body and mind. Symptoms may include:

  • Rapid or pounding heartbeat: You may feel your heart beating out of your chest.
  • Chest tightness or pain: Often mistaken for a heart attack.
  • Shortness of breath or choking sensation: You may feel like you can’t get enough air.
  • Dizziness, nausea, or light-headedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
  • Sweating or sudden chills: Even in a comfortable environment.
  • Tingling or numbness: Especially in the hands, arms, feet, or face.
  • Feeling detached from reality: A sense of “unreality” or being outside your body (called depersonalization).
  • A sense of doom: A strong fear that something terrible is about to happen.
  • Fear of dying or going crazy: This is one of the most distressing parts of a panic attack.

🧾 Is It a Panic Attack or Something Else?

Because panic attacks mimic many physical health issues—like heart disease, asthma, or neurological conditions—it’s crucial to rule out other causes. If you’re unsure, book a telehealth appointment with an online doctor or GP near you to review your symptoms. They may recommend an eScript (online prescription) or refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for therapy.

📘 Diagnosing Panic Disorder

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), someone may be diagnosed with Panic Disorder if they:

  • Have recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
  • Constantly worry about having more attacks
  • Change their behavior to avoid triggers or potential embarrassment

This diagnosis should be made by a licensed healthcare professional—either through a face-to-face visit or via a web doctor or online GP consult.

✅ Help Is Available

If you think you're experiencing panic attacks, don’t wait until it affects your daily life. An online doctor can:

  • Help you understand what’s happening
  • Issue a medical certificate if you need time off work
  • Provide an online prescription for anti-anxiety medication if appropriate
  • Offer guidance or refer you to therapy

You can get support with instant consults, 24-hour doctor access, and telehealth mental health plans—all without needing to leave home.

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are not clinically defined but are commonly used to describe a build-up of anxiety in response to a specific situation, stressor, or thought. These tend to develop gradually and are closely tied to feelings of worry or fear.

Common Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack:

  • Feeling nervous or restless
  • Increased heart rate
  • Muscle tension
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Excessive worry about specific events or outcomes
  • Fatigue or feeling “on edge”

Anxiety attacks are often triggered by events like job stress, relationship problems, or health concerns. They may occur in people living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety, or PTSD.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Feature

Panic Attack

Anxiety Attack

Onset

Sudden, unexpected

Gradual build-up

Trigger

Often none

Usually identifiable

Duration

Peaks in 10–15 minutes

Can last longer

Physical intensity

Very high

Moderate to high

Recognition in DSM-5

Yes

No (term is not clinically defined)

Associated condition

Panic Disorder

Anxiety disorders (GAD, PTSD, etc.)

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing frequent episodes of panic or anxiety that interfere with your daily life, it's time to talk to a healthcare provider. With GP access now easier than ever, you can book an online doctor appointment through Hola Health for a telehealth consult—even after hours.

Online GPs can:

  • Assess your symptoms
  • Recommend treatment options like therapy or medication
  • Issue online prescriptions (eScripts)
  • Provide a medical certificate or sick certificate online if your symptoms affect your ability to work or study

You can even get instant consults with qualified Australian GPs, no matter where you are.

How Are These Conditions Treated?

Both panic and anxiety attacks can be treated with a combination of:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Breathing and relaxation exercises
  • Lifestyle changes (sleep, diet, exercise)
  • Prescription medications (antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications)

For ongoing treatment, your online GP can provide referrals, monitor your progress, and adjust medications as needed. Many patients now manage their condition entirely via telehealth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, or both, the most important thing to know is: you’re not alone, and help is available. Understanding the difference between the two can help you describe your experience clearly, get the right support, and feel more in control.

If you're unsure where to begin, consider speaking to an online doctor via Hola Health. You’ll have access to online prescriptions, medical certificates, and mental health treatment plans—all from the comfort of home.

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