 A meltdown is an extreme or intense response to an overwhelming situation. It happens when someone becomes completely overwhelmed and temporarily loses control of their behavior. But what about panic attacks? A panic attack on the other hand is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no danger or no apparent cause. Given their similar definitions, you can see where the confusion comes in. But here we go. Meltdowns can be caused by overwhelm or any strong emotion, any strong emotion whereas panic attacks are typically caused by anxiety and fear. Follow me for part two on what they both look like and what they feel like.