What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear that can happen without warning. It usually lasts for a few minutes and might include symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, sweating or a racing heart.

It can feel very scary, even if there's no real danger. Sometimes, the symptoms may feel like you're having a heart attack or another medical emergency.

People sometimes use other words to describe panic:

• anxiety
• anxiety attack
• panic disorder

These are actually different conditions. A doctor or mental health professional can help make the right diagnosis.

Is an anxiety attack the same as a panic attack?

Anxiety is feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen. It's a normal response to stress and can help you prepare for challenges.

An anxiety attack happens because of stress and usually builds up slowly. If you feel anxious so often that it affects your daily life it could mean you have an anxiety-related disorder.

A panic attack comes on suddenly, often without warning and feels much more intense than anxiety. Panic attacks can lead to strong physical symptoms.

What is panic disorder?

Having a panic attack doesn't necessarily mean you have panic disorder.

Panic disorder is when you have repeated panic attacks that affect your life. These attacks may happen at any time, even when there is no clear reason or danger. You can also have expected panic attacks, that happen in response to a situation (trigger) that you fear.

People with panic disorder often feel in constant fear of having another attack.

What symptoms are related to panic attacks and panic disorder?

Panic attacks and panic disorder can lead to physical and emotional symptoms that affect your daily life and well-being.

Symptoms related to panic attacks

A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of fear that can happen at any time. Symptoms develop quickly and usually peak within 10 minutes.

Physical symptoms may include:

• shortness of breath and hyperventilation (fast, shallow breathing)
• racing heartbeat or palpitations
• chest pain or discomfort
• trembling or shaking
• sweating
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• abdominal (tummy) pain and nausea

Emotional symptoms may include:

• a fear of losing control, 'going crazy', having a heart attack or dying
• depersonalisation (feeling detached from yourself)
• derealisation (feelings of unreality)

Symptoms related to panic disorder

Panic disorder means having panic attacks more than once. You may:

• worry a lot about when the next panic attack will happen
• stay away from places or situations where you think an attack could happen
• change your habits, such as avoiding crowded places or travelling
• feel tense or anxious even when you're not having an attack

What causes a panic attack and panic disorder?

Panic attacks and panic disorder can happen because of changes in the body, life events or traits passed down (inherited) from family.

What causes a panic attack?

A panic attack may happen in response to a clear trigger, or it may occur with no identifiable trigger at all.

A panic attack can be triggered by:

• changes in brain chemicals that control stress and mood
• an overreaction of the body's stress system caused by emotions such as fear or shame
• health problems, such as thyroid issues or heart conditions
• using stimulants, such as caffeine or drugs — for example, amphetamines or cocaine

What causes panic disorder?

Several risk factors may contribute to panic disorder, such as:

• a family history of panic disorder, anxiety or depression
• difficult experiences in childhood — such as child abuse
• stressful life events — such as a big change or loss
• a natural tendency to worry or be sensitive to stress

How is panic disorder diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The more detailed your answers about what you're experiencing, the better.

Your doctor will first rule out serious medical conditions. You may then be diagnosed with panic disorder if your symptoms affect your ability to function and are causing distress.

Your doctor may do other tests to rule out other health conditions, or refer you to a mental health professional.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have had one or more panic attacks, talking to your doctor is a good place to start.

Contact your doctor if you have received treatment for a panic attack and:

• you have another panic attack
• it is causing problems or side effects
• you notice new symptoms that concern you

How are panic attacks and panic disorder treated?

Treatment can help reduce how often attacks happen and make them less intense. Your doctor can guide you through the best treatment options for you.

Self-care at home

There are some things that can help when you are having a panic attack.

Relaxation techniques:

• Practise mindfulness to stay focused and calm.
• Try activities, such as yoga or meditation to improve your mood and help you feel more relaxed.
• Use breathing exercises, such as deep breathing, during an attack to calm your symptoms.

Lifestyle changes:

• Try regular physical activity, such as walking, running or dancing.
• Spend time with family and friends to avoid feeling alone.
• Reduce or avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol.
• Try to get enough sleep.

Medicines for panic attacks and panic disorder

Certain medicines can help treat panic disorder.

Antidepressants are commonly used because they are effective and don't usually cause addiction. They take time to start working and may cause side effects.

Benzodiazepines act quickly to relieve panic symptoms. However, they can lead to dependence, so they are usually prescribed for short-term use only.

If you have questions about medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Other treatment options

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps you learn practical tools to manage panic attacks and panic disorder.

It may also help to learn about the condition.

What are the complications of panic attacks and panic disorder?

Panic attacks and panic disorder can lead to:

• being afraid and avoiding social activities (social anxiety disorder)
• being scared to leave your house (agoraphobia)
• trouble at work or school
• depression or thinking about self-harm or suicide
• using drugs or alcohol to cope

Can panic attacks and panic disorder be prevented?

There are effective tools and strategies that can help reduce the likelihood of panic attacks, including:

• managing stress, such as practising relaxation techniques
• leading a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in regular exercise
• seeking professional help, such as through psychotherapy

Resources and support

Dealing with panic attacks or panic disorder is easier if you seek help. You may be eligible for a mental health treatment plan, which reduces the cost of psychological therapy.

You can also contact one of the services below to speak with someone or chat online:

• Kids Helpline (telephone and online counselling for people aged 5-25 years) — call 1800 55 1800.
• Mensline Australia (online counselling and forum for men) — call 1300 78 99 78.
• Lifeline (for anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14.
• Suicide Call Back Service (for anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467.
• MindSpot Clinic (for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression) — call 1800 61 44 34.
• Beyond Blue (for anyone feeling depressed or anxious) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.

Online programs and tools

There are also online programs and tools that can help:

• ReachOut Worry Time App can help to control everyday worries and anxieties.
• Black Dog Institutes' myCompass provides a personalised online self-help program.
• This Way Up's online course for panic attacks.

Other languages

• Embrace Multicultural Mental Health offers mental health resources and personal stories translated in more than 30 community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Mindspot's Indigenous Wellbeing Course is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over.
• Proppa Deadly — people tell their stories about living with depression and anxiety.
• WellMob Healing Our Way — provides social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing online resources.