Panic attacks can be a symptom of panic disorder. During a panic attack, a person may experience overwhelming emotions such as helplessness and fear, as well as physical symptoms such as fast heartbeat, sweating, and shaking.

Panic attacks can happen in specific situations that trigger stress. However, panic attacks that occur repeatedly and without an apparent cause may indicate panic disorder.

A doctor will use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) to diagnose panic disorder.

This article explains more about panic attacks and panic disorder, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Panic attacks can be frightening, upsetting, and uncomfortable. They may be an isolated issue or a recurring symptom of panic disorder.

Panic attacks typically last 5 to 20 minutes, but the symptoms can linger for up to 1 hour.

According to the DSM-5, a panic attack involves at least four of the following symptoms:

The symptoms of a panic attack can resemble those of other medical conditions, including lung disorders, heart conditions, and thyroid problems.

Sometimes, a person having a panic attack seeks emergency medical care because they feel as if they are having a heart attack. Learn how to tell the difference.

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is a mental health condition, and panic attacks are a symptom. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), around 1 in 75 people have panic disorder, and it is twice as likely to occur in women as in men.

Many people have experienced at least one panic attack, but people with panic disorder experience recurrent attacks.

Panic disorder typically occurs in adulthood but can develop in children. Genetic and biological factors may increase the likelihood of having panic disorder, but researchers have yet to identify a link to any specific gene or chemical.

The disorder may develop after exposure to environmental stressors, including major life changes such as having a first baby or leaving home.

A doctor may diagnose panic disorder when a person who has experienced several panic attacks becomes afraid of having another one. This fear can cause them to withdraw from other people and avoid visiting places where a panic attack may happen.

Anxiety and panic can be a natural response to stress. However, intense or regular panic that occurs for no apparent reason may indicate panic disorder.

When the brain receives warnings of danger, it alerts the adrenal gland to release adrenaline, which is sometimes called epinephrine or the “fight or flight” hormone.

A rush of adrenaline can quicken a person’s heartbeat and increase their blood pressure and rate of breathing. These are all characteristics of a panic attack.

The following factors may increase the risk of developing panic disorder:

  • a family history of panic disorder
  • adverse childhood experiences
  • chemical imbalances in the brain

People with other types of anxiety disorders, including the following, may also experience panic attacks or symptoms that resemble panic attacks:

Using the guidelines in the DSM-5, a doctor may diagnose panic disorder if a person:

  • has experienced at least one panic attack
  • has had an ongoing fear of having a panic attack for at least 1 month
  • has significantly changed their behavior due to this fear
  • does not have any other condition, such as social phobia, or use any medications or other drugs that could account for the symptoms

Treatment for panic disorder may involve medications and psychotherapy. According to the APA, many people start to feel better when they understand what panic disorder is and how common it is.

A person may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help them identify triggers and new ways of facing difficult situations.

Another option is interoceptive exposure, which allows a person to grow accustomed to the symptoms of a panic attack in a safe environment. The goal of this treatment is to reduce the fear of an attack and to break the symptoms down into manageable stages.

Relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing and positive visualization, may also help some people.

Medications for panic disorder

For some people, a doctor may prescribe any of the following medications:

  • Antidepressants: Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor XR).
  • Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers may help manage physical symptoms of panic attacks, such as heart palpitations and tremors.
  • Anti-anxiety medications: Examples include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin).

SSRIs and SNRIs are long-term treatments and can take several weeks to have an effect. Benzodiazepines can reduce symptoms more quickly, but they pose a risk of dependence.

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened its warning about benzodiazepines.

Using these drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal from them can be life threatening. Combining them with alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in death. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions when using these drugs.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service suggests the following tips to reduce the frequency and impact of panic attacks.

When a panic attack starts, a person should:

  • stay in the same place
  • practice slow, deep breathing
  • visualize positive images
  • remember that it will soon pass and is not life threatening

To reduce the risk of further attacks, people can:

  • read about CBT techniques
  • try relaxation techniques, such as:
    • yoga
    • deep breathing
    • positive visualization
  • exercise regularly
  • avoid substances that may worsen panic attacks, such as:
    • caffeine
    • tobacco
    • alcohol
    • recreational drugs
    • sugary foods and drinks

Learn more methods to stop a panic attack.

Panic disorder can affect many aspects of a person’s life. For example, it may lead to:

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Panic attacks and panic disorder affect many people. The attacks can be frightening, but there are effective treatments.

Anyone with concerns about panic attacks or panic disorder should seek medical care. Receiving this care early on can keep the symptoms from worsening and help prevent complications.

Doctors may diagnose panic disorder if a person experiences panic symptoms and concern about panic attacks for at least 1 month without an apparent cause.

How can someone calm a panic attack?

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and positive visualization may help a person relieve symptoms of a panic attack when they feel it starting. Staying in one place and remembering that the panic attack will end soon may also help.

What does a panic attack feel like?

A panic attack may cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and dread. People may also experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, chills, and shaking.

Should someone call 911 for a panic attack?

Panic attacks are not life threatening and usually peak within a few minutes. However, panic attack symptoms can resemble a medical emergency such as a heart attack, which requires immediate medical assistance.

Signs of a heart attack include:

  • chest pain or discomfort
  • shortness of breath
  • pain or discomfort in the upper body, such as the arms, neck, or jaw
  • nausea and lightheadedness

If someone experiences symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, they should seek medical help, especially if it is the first time they have had these symptoms.

Learn how to identify a heart attack.

Panic attacks can indicate panic disorder. However, not everyone who experiences a panic attack has panic disorder.

Symptoms of panic attacks include anxiety, distress, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, and tremors.

A person who is experiencing panic attacks can speak with a healthcare professional, who can recommend appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.