Let's cut through the jargon and myth, shall we? Those unpredictable bouts of palpitation and terror you call "anxiety attacks" are actually "panic attacks". Around us, these terms might turn into a word salad, but medically speaking, only "panic attack" is on the menu. Characterized by speedy onset dread, racing pulse, profuse sweating, and an unsolicited free-ride on the dizzy coaster, they're the unsung protagonists of the anxiety disorder script - with regular cameo appearances. No wonder everyone's got their roles mixed up.

Anyone can play host to a panic attack. They might crash the party due to an external stimulus, or, quite rudely, gatecrash without an invite. Like a particularly irritating guest who won't take the hint, they linger for five to 20 minutes, making multiple appearances in a day or popping up a few times a year.

A panic attack might not be a threat to your life, but they sure do know how to shake up your peace. They're like a terrible movie – you're uncomfortable throughout, but it's not going to kill you.

"The anxiety attack", though, doesn't exist in the medical world. It’s more of a phantom phrase – no fixed identity or a clear list of symptoms. Don't let that fool you into feeling more secure though because anxiety can be a hangry beast. It feeds on your fear and worry, creating tension in your body and mind. If you see it showing up too frequently, causing a hiccup in your daily hustle, you might have an anxiety disorder.

And plot twist – there's not one, but a whole family of anxiety disorders! You have Generalised Anxiety disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, and more. This differs from individual panic attack episodes, where the symptoms come, wreak havoc for a bit, then peace out. Anxiety or panic disorder is a long-term mental health gig, where the symptoms drop in for recurring visits.

If you’ve got any doubts, don't play Google Dr. Instead, ring up a healthcare provider pronto. They'll refer you to a mental health expert, probably a psychiatrist, who'll diagnose and treat you. And don't worry; they've got a trusty guide, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to label what's messing with your peace.

Suppose you've been having uninvited panic attacks repeatedly and living in fear of the next one for a month. In that case, your healthcare provider might diagnose you with panic disorder, ruling out any other lookalike conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

But remember, panic disorder doesn't mean lifelong panic. With the right meds, psychotherapy, and some self-help techniques – like the grounding 3-3-3 rule during an attack –, you'll reclaim your peace.

So in the battle of "anxiety attack" vs "panic attack", science crowns "panic attack" the winner. Remember, it's entirely treatable – just reach out to a professional.