Educational information is designed to help you understand a concern. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Anxiety can be gradual and persistent
People with anxiety may notice excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating or physical symptoms such as racing heart or stomach discomfort.
The key issue is often how difficult the worry is to control and how much it interferes with daily life.
A panic attack can come on suddenly
A panic attack may involve intense fear, racing heart, sweating, trembling, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, nausea, chills, or a sense of losing control or impending disaster.
Because some physical symptoms overlap with medical emergencies, a new or severe episode should not automatically be assumed to be panic.
When should you seek assessment?
Assessment is worthwhile when worry is persistent, panic attacks recur, you begin avoiding places or situations, sleep is affected, or symptoms are interfering with work or relationships.
A clinician may also consider thyroid disease, medication effects, substance use and other medical causes when the presentation suggests them.
Treatment can be effective
Treatment may include psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medication when appropriate, sleep and lifestyle measures, and strategies that reduce avoidance and improve coping.
The treatment plan depends on the type of anxiety problem and the person’s goals and medical context.
Frequently asked questions
Does having one panic attack mean I have panic disorder?
No. Panic attacks can occur in several conditions and sometimes in people without panic disorder. Diagnosis depends on the overall pattern and associated concerns such as recurrent unexpected attacks and persistent fear or avoidance.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can produce real physical symptoms through autonomic and stress-response mechanisms.
Should chest pain always be treated as anxiety?
No. New or severe chest pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty or other alarming symptoms should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be panic.