Panic Attacks vs. Panic Disorders: What’s the Difference?

Understanding Panic in the City That Never Sleeps

Living in New York City means navigating crowded trains, packed schedules, relentless noise, and the pressure to keep going no matter what. It’s no wonder that many New Yorkers experience moments of intense stress or overwhelm. But when those moments turn into sudden waves of fear, racing heart, dizziness, or a sense of losing control, it can feel terrifying. And for many people, the first question is: Was that a panic attack—or something more?

At our therapy practice, we help New Yorkers understand these experiences every day. Here’s how to tell the difference between panic attacks and panic disorder, and what treatment looks like if you’re struggling.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. Common symptoms include:

Rapid heartbeat

Feeling faint or dizzy

Shortness of breath

Sweating or shaking

Chest tightness

Numbness or tingling

A sense of unreality

Fear of “going crazy” or dying

Panic attacks can appear out of nowhere, or they might be triggered by stress, life transitions, or specific situations (crowded subway cars are a common one for NYC).

Having one or a few panic attacks does not necessarily mean you have panic disorder.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, and develops persistent worry about having more attacks or begins avoiding places or activities to prevent them.

In NYC, this can show up as:

Avoiding certain subway lines because an attack happened there once

Skipping social plans or work events

Taking long, inconvenient routes to avoid crowded spaces

Constantly monitoring your body for signs of an attack

Panic disorder can be incredibly disruptive—but it is also very treatable.

Why Panic Symptoms Can Feel Especially Intense in NYC

New York’s fast pace and sensory overload can heighten physical sensations, making them easier to misinterpret as something dangerous. The city also rewards “pushing through,” which means many people ignore stress until their nervous system hits its limit.

This is why clinicians here see panic-related concerns so frequently.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Panic in NYC

At our practice, we use research-backed approaches that help people regain control and confidence.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you understand and change the thought patterns that fuel panic. You learn how to reinterpret physical sensations and break the cycle of fear.

Exposure Therapy

This involves gradually and safely facing sensations or situations you’ve been avoiding (like crowded trains or elevators). When done with a trained therapist, exposure is highly effective for panic disorder.

Mindfulness and Somatic Techniques

Therapists help you build skills such as grounding, breathwork, and nervous-system regulation to reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms.

Medication (When Helpful)

For some, medication—often prescribed by a psychiatrist—can reduce the severity of symptoms while therapy addresses the root causes.

How Our NYC Therapy Practice Can Help

Our group practice includes therapists who specialize in panic attacks, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, and NYC-specific stressors. We offer:

Compassionate, individualized treatment

Evidence-based modalities

In-person and virtual sessions

A free 10–15 minute consultation with our intake team to help you find a therapist who’s the right match

Whether you’ve had a single panic attack or you’re worried you might meet criteria for panic disorder, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Ready to Get Support?

If you’re experiencing panic symptoms and want guidance from experienced NYC therapists, you can reach out to schedule a brief consultation. We’ll help you determine whether individual therapy, structured anxiety treatment, or another approach is right for you.