A panic attack is a condition that begins suddenly and is accompanied by intense fear or discomfort, along with prominent physical symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness. When experienced on its own, a panic attack may occur from time to time in anyone and is not considered a disorder by itself.
Panic Disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by the recurrent occurrence of panic attacks and the persistent fear or worry about having another attack. This condition can severely restrict a person’s daily life and negatively affect work, social, and family relationships.
In other words, a panic attack is a symptom, whereas panic disorder is the condition in which these attacks become recurrent and reach the level of a clinical disorder.