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

Panic attacks come on suddenly and involve intense and often overwhelming fear. They’re accompaniedTrusted Source by very challenging physical symptoms, like a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea.

DSM-5 recognizes panic attacks and categorizes them as unexpected or expected.

Unexpected panic attacks occur without an obvious cause. Expected panic attacks are cued by external stressors, like phobias.

Panic attacks can happen to anyone, but having more than one may be a sign of panic disorder, a mental health condition characterized by sudden and repeated panic attacks.

https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack#panic-attack