Panic attacks and panic disorder

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, call triple zero (000).

Key facts

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear that can happen without warning.
Panic disorder involves repeated panic attacks and ongoing fear of having more attacks.
Symptoms may include a racing heart, trouble breathing, sweating and feeling dizzy.
Triggers for panic attacks may include stress, health issues or changes in brain chemicals.
Treatment may include relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, therapy and medicines.

What is a panic attack?

If you have pain in your chest and think you may be having a heart attack, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

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

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

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.

Preparing for an appointment? See our tips on questions to ask your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

Get help immediately if you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else. Call triple zero (000) if your symptoms feel like a heart attack or another medical emergency.

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

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

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.

Preparing for an appointment? See our tips on questions to ask your doctor.

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 (Opens in new tab) (telephone and online counselling for people aged 5-25 years) — call 1800 55 1800.
Mensline Australia (Opens in new tab) (online counselling and forum for men) — call 1300 78 99 78.
Lifeline (Opens in new tab) (for anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service (Opens in new tab) (for anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467.
MindSpot Clinic (Opens in new tab) (for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression) — call 1800 61 44 34.
Beyond Blue (Opens in new tab) (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 (Opens in new tab) can help to control everyday worries and anxieties.
Black Dog Institutes' myCompass (Opens in new tab) provides a personalised online self-help program.
This Way Up's online course for panic attacks (Opens in new tab).

Other languages

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (Opens in new tab) 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 (Opens in new tab) is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over.
Proppa Deadly (Opens in new tab) — people tell their stories about living with depression and anxiety.
WellMob (Opens in new tab) Healing Our Way — provides social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing online resources.