What’s the difference between a panic attack and anxiety? What’s an anxiety attack?

A panic attack is probably what you’ve seen more often in media — rapid breathing, sweating, increased heart rate. Panic attacks come on suddenly and usually happen in anticipation of something (like public speaking), though this isn’t always the case. The experience of having a panic attack might be so horrible that the next time you have to speak in public you have a panic attack about anticipation of another panic attack. This is actually a panic disorder and is a type of anxiety disorder.

The other types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobias (fears), specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Panic attacks can be experienced with these other disorders, but general feelings of anxiety are also common. Irritability, difficulty concentrating and restlessness are often felt.

The difference between a panic attack and anxiety attack depends on the context. If someone is experiencing a quick onset of shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, sweating, etc. that's a panic attack. If someone is experiencing a steady increase in nervousness, irritability and worry that is disproportionate to reality, that could be considered an anxiety episode. The term "anxiety attack" may be used to describe a panic attack, but it's more about the symptoms, duration and onset that distinguishes the two.