Uncued (spontaneous) panic attacks

Is often described as coming "out of the blue", meaning there is no perceived warning. This type of panic attack can even occur when a person is relaxed or sleeping.  Some research shows those with a natural ability to enter a trance state experience this type of attack.  Other research suggests a nocturnal (night time) panic attack occurs during the transition from stage two to stage three sleep.  In a waking state, some people may experience a sense of being separate from their body (depersonalisation), or as if they or their surroundings are not real (derealisation).  For some, a spontaneous attack can be felt as an electric shock or heat sensation, followed by feelings of panic.

Cued (specific) panic attacks

Unlike an uncued panic attack, a cued attack is a set of anxiety symptoms that relate to, and is triggered by, a specific situation or place.  This type of panic attack is often a component of Social Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 

Situational, pre-disposed panic attacks      

While some people might be pre-disposed to having a panic attack in a certain situation or place, they may not always have an attack.  Those who have uncued panic attacks or those experiencing cued specific attacks, can also go on to develop situational pre-disposed panic attacks.

Limited symptom attacks    

As the name indicates, this type of attack is limited to less than four symptoms and therefore does not meet the criteria for Panic Disorder. However, people with Panic Disorder can have a mixture of full blown and limited symptom attacks. As an example of a limited symptom attack, a person may feel nauseous, faint and feel panicky if they can't escape the situation without drawing attention to themself. People who suffer from limited symptom attacks also tend to avoid situations or places where an attack has occurred previously.