Did you know
What Is a Panic Attack?
Types of Panic Attacks
Expected Panic Attack
Unexpected Panic Attack
Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Some of the common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- apprehension and worry
- intense distress
- chest pain
- numbness or tingling (paresthesia)
- nausea, abdominal pain, or upset stomach
- headache
- feeling faint or dizzy
- fear of dying or losing control
- a sense of detachment from oneself or the world
- sweating
- trembling or shaking
- accelerated heart rate
- shortness of breath
- tightness in the throat or feeling like you’re choking
Duration of Panic Attack
Break the Cycle of Anxiety & Panic
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attack” isn’t a medical term, and there is no specific diagnostic criterion for anxiety attacks discussed in DSM-5-TR.
Common Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
Anxiety attack symptoms last longer than panic attacks, with less intensity. It is not a diagnosable condition. However, it aligns most closely with GAD–type worry episodes or stress responses. These are the common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Sleep disturbances
- Sweating
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Trembling
- Difficulty concentrating and more
Duration of Anxiety Attack
The Key Differences Between Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks
| Panic Attack | Anxiety Attack |
| DSM-5-TR defines panic attack with diagnostic criteria. | Not a DSM-defined term neither have diagnostic criteria. |
| Intense fear and discomfort. | Intense anxiety episodes. |
| Peaks quickly, even without a predictable cause. | Gradual build tied to ongoing worry/stress. |
| Duration is between 5–20 minutes; sometimes up to 1 hour. | Can persist longer (hours/days) with varying intensity. |
| Expected (clear cue) or unexpected (no trigger). | Often linked to situational stressors/ongoing worries. |
| Symptoms so intense that you may feel a mimic heart attack. | Many of the same physical symptoms occur during heightened anxiety. |
| Occur across disorders (panic disorder, phobias, etc.). | Closely aligned with anxiety states (e.g., GAD, social anxiety). |
Red Flags That Indicate Panic Attacks
Red Flags of Unexpected Panic Attack
Red Flags of an Expected Panic Attack
These are some of the symptoms often preceded by expected panic attacks:
- Increased heart rate
- Avoidance
- Distress about physical symptoms
- Catastrophic thoughts
- Shortness of breath
- Hypervigilance
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Helplessness
When Anxiety Attacks Become a Concern
In most cases, a single anxiety or panic attack does not need emergency medical care. They become a concern once they’re frequent, last longer, begin to push you to avoid everyday situations, or leave you unsure whether symptoms might be medical.
If you feel chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent medical care immediately.
If self-help isn’t helping, and you want guidance, talking with a qualified clinician should be your next step. Early support can stop symptoms from becoming severe.
(If you’re in crisis, call 988/911.)
Expert Insights
Online Psychiatric Care in NJ for Panic Attacks & Anxiety
How Telepsychiatry Works (step-by-step)
- Book & verify location
Choose an appointment slot online or by phone. You will have to attest that you will be physically in NJ during the session (required for prescribing). - Secure video check-in
You will log on via a HIPAA-compliant platform. Audio/video quality is tested, and ID is confirmed. The platform provided is end-to-end encrypted as per NJ rules. - Psychiatric evaluation
The board-certified clinician will review your symptoms, the medication you are currently using, and your overall medical history to accurately evaluate and diagnose your symptoms. - Collaborative treatment plan
If a mental health condition is confirmed, then your treatment options may include medication, CBT/exposure therapy, skills coaching, or lifestyle changes. - Documentation & billing
A doctor’s medical note is entered into an EHR; a copy can be sent to your primary-care clinician with consent. Claims are submitted like traditional visits. - Follow-up & monitoringShort video follow-ups (e.g., every 4–6 weeks) are appointed to adjust medications and oversee therapy progress.
Benefits of Online Treatment
There are many evidence-based benefits of online treatment, including for anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Below are concise, research-backed benefits of safe and online treatment:
- Telepsychiatry matches in-person care on diagnostic, outcomes, and satisfaction.
- Telepsychiatry saves cost, which ranges from $147.4 to $222.8 per visit (patient time + travel).
- New-patient wait times are shorter via telepsychiatry; 43 days vs 67 days in person.
- Telemedicine visits are completed more often than in-person; no-show 12% vs 25%.
- Platforms are HIPAA-compliant, with privacy protections comparable to in-person care.
- Patients avoid about 2.9 hours of driving plus 1.2 hours in-clinic saved per visit.
- Internet-based CBT is equally effective as face-to-face for anxiety disorders.
Why Choose Capital Psychiatry Group in NJ
Capital Psychiatry Group provides New Jersey–based online psychiatric care for panic and anxiety that’s private and easy to access. Our NJ-licensed clinicians meet with you via secure video/audio and build a plan that helps manage your symptoms effectively.
- All insurance accepted
- 24-hour appointments
- NJ-licensed clinicians
- Evidence-based treatment
- Personalized plans
- Medication safety & monitoring
- Coordinated care (with your consent)
- HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry
Take the First Step : Get Help Today
Not sure if it’s “just anxiety” or any other mental health condition?
Get clarity with an NJ-licensed clinician through secure video/audio telepsychiatry appointments. You’ll have a focused evaluation and diagnosis to determine what mental health condition you are experiencing. Our virtual care is private, structured, and accessible to everyone across New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A panic attack is a defined clinical event; “anxiety attack” is a term people use for intense anxiety.
Most last 5–20 minutes, sometimes a bit longer; symptoms typically peak within minutes.
Yes. They may be expected (clear cue) or unexpected (out of the blue). Unexpected panic attacks come with a perceptible trigger.
In most cases, a single anxiety or panic attack does not need medical emergency, but if episodes recur, are hard to control, or you’re avoiding situations, or if you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or suicidal thoughts, you should seek urgent medical care immediately.
CBT/exposure-based therapies and, when appropriate, medications, which are guided by a medical professional like a psychiatrist, and supported for panic disorder and GAD.
Yes, reviews show video/online CBT can be comparable to in-person care for anxiety and panic.
How we reviewed this article:
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113/resources/generalised-anxiety-disorder-and-panic-disorder-in-adults-management-pdf-35109387756997
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/what-is-a-panic-attack
- https://dohlicensing.nj.gov/telehealthtelemedicine/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37290263/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4919267/
- https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides/privacy-and-security-telehealth/privacy-laws-and-policy-guidance
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9856804/
- https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2824%2900066-7/abstract
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37290263/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800164
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