January 9, 2026
Anxiety attack vs panic attack explained—symptoms, differences, causes, and treatment options from integrative psychiatry experts.
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The terms anxiety attack and panic attack are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, social media, and even news reporting. After high-profile discussions around mental health by public figures and athletes in recent years, searches for anxiety attack vs panic attack have surged. Yet clinically, these experiences are not identical—and understanding the difference can be life-changing for people seeking effective treatment.
Both experiences can feel overwhelming, frightening, and physically intense. However, they differ in how suddenly they appear, how long they last, and what typically triggers them. Clarifying these differences is also essential when considering treatment options such as psychotherapy, medication, or integrative approaches.
An anxiety attack is not an official DSM diagnosis, but the term is widely used to describe a gradual escalation of anxiety symptoms in response to stressors or ongoing worry.
Anxiety attacks are often associated with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or stress-related conditions. They tend to build over time rather than appear suddenly.
People experiencing anxiety attacks may also have comorbid conditions such as depression, ADHD, or OCD, which can intensify rumination and physiological stress responses. Integrative treatment approaches often address these overlapping factors through therapy, lifestyle interventions, and medication management when appropriate, as seen in comprehensive care for anxiety.
A panic attack is a clinically recognized phenomenon. Panic attacks involve sudden, intense fear that peaks within minutes and often occurs without an obvious trigger.
Because symptoms can mimic heart attacks, panic attacks frequently lead to emergency room visits. News coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted spikes in panic-related ER visits, especially among young adults and healthcare workers under chronic stress.
Panic attacks are central to panic disorder but may also occur in individuals with PTSD, OCD, or mood disorders.
FeatureAnxiety AttackPanic AttackOnsetGradualSuddenTriggerOften identifiableOften noneDurationHours to days5–30 minutesIntensityModerate to severeSevereDiagnostic statusInformal termDSM-recognized
Understanding the distinction between anxiety attack vs panic attack helps clinicians tailor interventions more precisely, especially when symptoms overlap with conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia, where anxiety and panic can be secondary features.
Chronic anxiety and panic frequently coexist with depressive disorders. Individuals with depression may experience anxiety attacks driven by hopelessness and rumination, which is why integrated treatment for depression often includes anxiety-focused care.
Adults with ADHD may experience heightened anxiety due to executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and chronic stress. Addressing ADHD symptoms through specialized care can significantly reduce anxiety-related episodes.
In obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety attacks often stem from intrusive thoughts, while panic attacks may occur when compulsions are resisted. Effective treatment frequently includes CBT-based strategies.
People with BPD may experience intense emotional surges that resemble panic attacks, particularly in response to perceived abandonment. Emotion regulation skills and targeted medication strategies are often explored in treatment planning.
Anxiety and panic can precede or accompany psychotic symptoms, especially during prodromal phases. Early intervention in psychosis and schizophrenia often involves careful differentiation between panic symptoms and perceptual disturbances.
Anxiety attacks commonly arise around food, body image, or control in eating disorders. Panic attacks may also occur during refeeding or periods of physiological stress.
Panic attacks activate the body’s fight-or-flight response without a real external threat. The amygdala signals danger, stress hormones flood the system, and physical symptoms escalate rapidly.
This explains why people often report feeling “out of nowhere” terror—even in safe environments. Integrative psychiatry emphasizes calming the nervous system through therapy, medication when needed, and mind-body approaches.
Evidence-based therapies such as CBT help individuals identify thought patterns that drive anxiety and panic. Dialectical approaches like DBT are particularly helpful for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Trauma-focused treatments such as EMDR may be recommended when panic is linked to past trauma.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications are commonly prescribed, especially when panic attacks are frequent or disabling. Medication decisions are often personalized, particularly in patients with complex comorbidities.
Innovative treatments such as ketamine-assisted therapy are being explored for treatment-resistant anxiety and panic, particularly when depression is also present.
Lifestyle interventions—including sleep optimization, nutrition, and stress reduction—are also key components of integrative care.
You should consider professional support if:
Early assessment can prevent symptom escalation and improve long-term outcomes.
Integrative Psych is a multidisciplinary mental health practice offering personalized, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and complex psychiatric conditions. With locations and services across New York and Miami, the practice brings together psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, and more.
Patients can explore the team of experts, learn about specialized treatment programs, or schedule a confidential consultation to begin care. The Integrative Psych approach emphasizes whole-person treatment—addressing biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors to support lasting recovery.
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