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Having one panic attack doesn’t mean you have panic disorder. Around 40 per cent of Australians have a panic attack once or twice in their lives.  ### On this page - [How common is panic disorder?](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#how-common-is-panic-disorder?) - [Signs and symptoms of panic disorder](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#signs-and-symptoms-of-panic-disorder) - [What does a panic attack feel like?](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#what-does-a-panic-attack-feel-like?) - [Panic disorder symptom checklist](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#panic-disorder-symptom-checklist) - [Effective treatments for panic disorder](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#effective-treatments-for-panic-disorder) - [Causes of panic disorder](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#causes-of-panic-disorder) - [Supporting someone else](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder#supporting-someone-else) ## How common is panic disorder? ### If you have panic disorder, you’re not alone: - around 5 per cent of Australians experience panic disorder in their lifetime - around 3-4 per cent experience it in any 12 month period. Panic disorder can develop at any age, but it’s rare in older people and children. ## Signs and symptoms of panic disorder ### If you have panic disorder you may: - have recurring and unexpected panic attacks. - worry for at least a month after having a panic attack that you’ll have another one - make significant changes to try to avoid panic attacks - for example, you might avoid exercise because it increases your heart rate. You might also worry about why you’re having panic attacks. For example, some people worry it means they have another illness. They may have repeated medical tests which show nothing’s wrong but still be afraid that they’re unwell. ## What does a panic attack feel like? ### During a panic attack, you get a sudden sense of overwhelming panic and fear. Panic attacks usually last for up to half an hour, with the worst symptoms in the first 10 minutes. Afterwards you may feel very tired. If you have panic disorder they can happen as often as several times a day. Panic attacks can even start while you’re asleep and wake you up in the middle of the night. Common signs and symptoms of a panic attack include: - a sense of overwhelming panic or fear - the thought that you are dying, choking, ‘losing control’ or ‘going mad’ - increased heart rate - difficulty breathing (feeling that there is not enough air) - feeling choked - excessive sweating - dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint. Some people may also experience ‘derealisation’ - a sense that you or the world around you is not real. This symptom seems to be related to the physiological changes that happen in your body during the panic attack. ## Milli's story: “I thought I was about to faint." “I thought I was having a medical emergency. “I thought I was dying.” Milli describes [**what a panic attack feels like**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/personal-stories/milli). [Read transcript](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/video-transcripts/millis-story-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like) ## Panic disorder symptom checklist ### Only a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose panic disorder. The checklist below can help you decide whether you need to take the next step and seek support. Have you had a sudden surge of intense worry or fear during which you had 4 or more of the following symptoms? - sweating - trembling or shaking - increased heart rate - short of breath - feeling like you are choking - feeling nauseous or having butterflies or pain in the stomach - dizzy, lightheaded or faint - numb or tingly - derealisation (feelings of unreality) or depersonalisation (feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings) - hot or cold flushes - scared of losing control or going crazy - scared of dying ### If you’ve felt 4 or more of these symptoms, have you also: - Felt persistently worried about having another panic attack? - Changed your behaviour to try to avoid having panic attacks again? If yes, you may be experiencing panic disorder. We can help you find the support you need at [**Get mental health support**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support). ## Effective treatments for panic disorder ### Treatment can help reduce the number and severity of panic attacks. Research shows that the most effective treatments for panic disorder are: - cognitive behaviour therapy - online therapy (also known as e-therapies or computer-aided psychological therapy) - antidepressant medication – for severe panic disorder. Learn more about [**Treatments for anxiety**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety). ### Should I get support? If panic disorder is making your everyday life harder, we recommend you get support. Panic disorder is treatable but it doesn’t usually go away by itself. Not sure where to start? We can help you find the support you need at [**Get mental health support**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support). ## Causes of panic disorder There’s no single cause for panic disorder. Several factors are usually involved. ### Negative experiences Panic attacks have been linked to: - extremely stressful life experiences – such as redundancy, bereavement and childhood sexual abuse - ongoing, unrelenting [stress](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/what-is-stress). ### Family history People with panic disorder often have other people in their family who have anxiety or depression. Research suggests there may be a genetic factor. ### Biological factors Some medical conditions are associated with panic disorder. These include cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It’s unclear whether panic disorder is caused by these medical conditions. ## Supporting someone else ### If you’re worried about someone close to you, there are things you can do to support them. - [How to talk to someone you’re worried about](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/support-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-their-mental-health) - [Support someone with anxiety or depression](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/support-someone/how-to-help-someone-with-anxiety-or-depression) ## Journey to recovery - personal stories If you have an anxiety condition, you’re not alone. Learn what anxiety feels like and how it can be managed. [**Read and watch more personal stories about anxiety**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/personal-stories) [“I thought I was dying” – Milli describes what a panic attack feels like In her own words, Milli describes what it was like when she had her first panic attack and how she dealt with it.](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/personal-stories/milli) [It's taken most of my life to learn I am worthy of living - Emily's story Emily shares her journey of depression, anxiety and ultimately, hope.](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/personal-stories/emily) ## Related information ### - [Types of anxiety](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety) - [Treatments for anxiety](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety) - [Anxiety management strategies](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies) - [Create a wellbeing action plan](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing-action-tool) ## References Beyond Blue uses statistics from trusted references and research. For a full list of references for all statistics quoted on our website, please visit [**Statistics**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/statistics). ## Make wellbeing a part of your every day [Learn more about the PACE app](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/pace-daily-wellbeing)   ## Subscribe to receive info about mental health, keeping well and stories from our community. [Subscribe to newsletter](https://beyondblue.tfaforms.net/140) Back to top [](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) - [About](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about) - [Media](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/media) - [Careers](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/careers) - [Contact us](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/contact-us) - [Get involved](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved) - [Donate](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/donate) - [Mental health at work](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work) - [Mental health in education](https://beyou.edu.au/) - [Mental health in the home](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/parenting) As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present. First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons. Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families. [  Learn more about how we support First Nations people](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/first-nations-peoples) [ Discover how we support the LGBTIQ+ community](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/LGBTIQ) Premier partners - [](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/funding) Copyright © 2026 Beyond Blue LtdAll rights reserved - [Terms of use](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/general/terms-of-use) - [Privacy policy](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/general/privacy-policy) - [Charter of rights](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/general/consumer-charter-of-rights) - [Site map](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/general/site-map)     

Panic disorder is when panic attacks are recurrent and disabling. Having one panic attack doesn’t mean you have panic disorder. Around 40 per cent of Australians have a panic attack once or twice in their lives.  ## How common is panic disorder? If you have panic disorder, you’re not alone: - around 5 per cent of Australians experience panic disorder in their lifetime - around 3-4 per cent experience it in any 12 month period. Panic disorder can develop at any age, but it’s rare in older people and children. ## Signs and symptoms of panic disorder If you have panic disorder you may: - have recurring and unexpected panic attacks. - worry for at least a month after having a panic attack that you’ll have another one - make significant changes to try to avoid panic attacks - for example, you might avoid exercise because it increases your heart rate. You might also worry about why you’re having panic attacks. For example, some people worry it means they have another illness. They may have repeated medical tests which show nothing’s wrong but still be afraid that they’re unwell. ## What does a panic attack feel like? During a panic attack, you get a sudden sense of overwhelming panic and fear. Panic attacks usually last for up to half an hour, with the worst symptoms in the first 10 minutes. Afterwards you may feel very tired. If you have panic disorder they can happen as often as several times a day. Panic attacks can even start while you’re asleep and wake you up in the middle of the night. Common signs and symptoms of a panic attack include: - a sense of overwhelming panic or fear - the thought that you are dying, choking, ‘losing control’ or ‘going mad’ - increased heart rate - difficulty breathing (feeling that there is not enough air) - feeling choked - excessive sweating - dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint. Some people may also experience ‘derealisation’ - a sense that you or the world around you is not real. This symptom seems to be related to the physiological changes that happen in your body during the panic attack. ## Panic disorder symptom checklist Only a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose panic disorder. The checklist below can help you decide whether you need to take the next step and seek support. Have you had a sudden surge of intense worry or fear during which you had 4 or more of the following symptoms? - sweating - trembling or shaking - increased heart rate - short of breath - feeling like you are choking - feeling nauseous or having butterflies or pain in the stomach - dizzy, lightheaded or faint - numb or tingly - derealisation (feelings of unreality) or depersonalisation (feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings) - hot or cold flushes - scared of losing control or going crazy - scared of dying If you’ve felt 4 or more of these symptoms, have you also: - Felt persistently worried about having another panic attack? - Changed your behaviour to try to avoid having panic attacks again? ## Effective treatments for panic disorder Treatment can help reduce the number and severity of panic attacks. Research shows that the most effective treatments for panic disorder are: - cognitive behaviour therapy - online therapy (also known as e-therapies or computer-aided psychological therapy) - antidepressant medication – for severe panic disorder. ### Should I get support? If panic disorder is making your everyday life harder, we recommend you get support. Panic disorder is treatable but it doesn’t usually go away by itself. Not sure where to start? We can help you find the support you need at [**Get mental health support**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support). ## Causes of panic disorder There’s no single cause for panic disorder. Several factors are usually involved. ### Negative experiences Panic attacks have been linked to: - extremely stressful life experiences – such as redundancy, bereavement and childhood sexual abuse ### Family history People with panic disorder often have other people in their family who have anxiety or depression. Research suggests there may be a genetic factor. ### Biological factors Some medical conditions are associated with panic disorder. These include cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It’s unclear whether panic disorder is caused by these medical conditions. ## Supporting someone else If you’re worried about someone close to you, there are things you can do to support them. Related information ## References Beyond Blue uses statistics from trusted references and research. For a full list of references for all statistics quoted on our website, please visit [**Statistics**](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/statistics).