Panic Attack or Anxiety Attack?

Off the Couch Psychology · Jun 2, 2026 · 1m

Anxiety attack. Panic attack. Panic disorder. Most people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the important differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, explains what panic disorder really is, and helps you understand why these experiences can feel so overwhelming. You'll learn what is happening inside the brain and body during each type of episode, why panic attacks often seem to come out of nowhere, and why anxiety attacks usually build gradually around stress…