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 fourTrusted Source 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 increaseTrusted Source 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 reasonTrusted Source 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 increaseTrusted Source 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, includingTrusted Source 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 personTrusted Source:

  • 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 prescribeTrusted Source 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)Trusted Source 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

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

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

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 minutesTrusted Source. However, panic attack symptoms can resemble a medical emergency such as a heart attack, which requires immediate medical assistance.

Signs of a heart attack includeTrusted Source:

  • 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.

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.