The Student Room Group

How do you know when you're having a panic attack?

Is there a difference between just feeling panicky, and having an actual panic attack? If so, what is it?

I had what I thought was a panic attack before one of my exams this summer. I was retching, my head was spinning, I couldn't see or breathe properly and I was crying hysterically. Can this be classified as a "panic attack" or was it just me being a drama queen?