Difference Between Panic And Anxiety Attack

Difference Between Panic And Anxiety Attack

It's not uncommon to hear the terms ‘panic attack’ and ‘anxiety attack’ interchangeably, since both share some common symptoms. There is, however, a difference between anxiety attack and panic attack, and behavioral health professionals use these terms for specific symptoms and conditions. A prolonged period of worry often precedes an anxiety attack, whereas, the symptoms of panic attacks tend to be more intense when they occur suddenly. This article discusses the difference between panic and anxiety attack.

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Difference Between Panic And Anxiety Attack - Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack

There is a difference between anxiety attack and panic attack. A panic attack is characterised by an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by other mental and physical symptoms. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a natural and instinctive protective response hardwired into the human body. The problem arises when anxiety becomes excessive or interferes with your daily life. The primary difference between panic and anxiety attack is that anxiety attack is frequently associated with a specific event or situation, whereas panic attack can occur without a specific trigger.

Anxiety and panic attacks share some characteristics, and both cause emotional and physical symptoms. Shortness of breath, fear, light-headedness and irrational thoughts are among the common characteristics. Anxiety attacks are less severe than panic attacks, but they can last for days, weeks, or even months. Anxiety attacks can be mild, moderate, or severe, but they usually do not interfere with daily activities in the same way that panic attacks do.

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Anxiety attacks usually worsen over time, but they can subside once the frightening experience or situation has passed. Panic attacks frequently produce far more severe symptoms than anxiety attacks. Furthermore, panic attacks are a diagnosable condition, whereas anxiety attacks are not.

Let’s look at the difference between anxiety attack and panic attack with the help of a table which states Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack.

Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack

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Let’s now look at the symptoms of panic and anxiety attacks.

Difference Between Panic And Anxiety Attack - Symptoms

Panic and anxiety attacks have physical symptoms that can help you understand what is going on in your mind and body.

Panic Attack Symptoms

A panic attack is characterised by intense, sudden fear, which can be immobilising and overwhelming. They can occur for no apparent reason or as a result of a triggering event. You may feel terrified or threatened during a panic attack. Some people have panic attacks as part of their panic disorder, while others only have them sometimes, under very stressful situations. Panic attacks typically last only a few minutes and if they are longer, people usually recover in less than an hour.

When you have a panic attack, you will most likely experience four or more of the following symptoms:

• Sweating

• Chest Pain

• Shaking or trembling

• Feeling of choking

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

• Palpitations or racing heart rate

• Feeling of detachment

According to researchers, one-third of people will experience a panic attack at some point in their lives. People who have previously experienced a panic attack are more likely to experience one again. Repeated panic attacks indicate a panic disorder.

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Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Anxiety attacks are typically terrifying and last about ten minutes. Because of the intensity, a person may feel like they are getting a heart attack. Anxiety attack symptoms include the following:

• The feeling of loss of control

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Restlessness

• Heart palpitations and chest pain

• Increase startle response

• Shaking

• Muscle tension

You may even begin to avoid certain situations out of fear of triggering an anxiety attack.

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Difference Between Panic and Anxiety Attack - Causes

A panic attack or anxiety attack can be triggered by a stressful event or by nothing at all. They happen suddenly, usually without warning, and can happen while you're sleeping or relaxing. You may have panic or anxiety attacks as a result of predictable or unpredictable threats. Some conditions that can trigger panic or anxiety attacks:

• A stressful job

• Depression

• Anxiety about social situations

• Phobias, such as claustrophobia(fear of small spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights) and agoraphobia (fear of open or crowded spaces)

• Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol

• Medication and supplements

• Reminders or memories of traumatic experiences

• Chronic pain or chronic illnesses like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, etc.

• Overuse of stimulants like caffeine

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Difference Between Panic and Anxiety Attack - Treatment And Intervention

Therapy, even if it is short-term, is the most effective treatment for both panic and anxiety attacks. Because these attacks can be triggered by fear, worry, stress, or a disorder, a professional can assist you in determining the source of the problem. Some therapies that can prove fruitful are:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you see things in a different light. A therapist can assist you in developing strategies for dealing with triggers as they arise.

• Exposure therapy entails controlled exposure to situations that cause fear and anxiety, and it can help you learn to confront those fears in a better way.

Precautions You May Take

You can also take precautions to avoid panic attacks and anxiety attacks. The following are some things that can help reduce anxiety and panic:

• Exercise regularly

• Manage your stress

• Get enough sleep at least 8 hours at the night

• Build a support network by talking to friends and family regularly

• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, or meditation

• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Anxiety attacks and panic attacks can be distressing and disruptive, but talking to therapists and self-help strategies can help reduce the intensity. The frequency of future episodes can be reduced or prevented through therapy and medication. No matter what you are experiencing or what someone you care about is experiencing, there is help available. Just reach out!

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Author- This article has been authored by Yashodhra Arora, who is a Counselling Psychologist, with extensive experience in career counselling for high school students.