Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Here's the Difference?

Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack are two terms that are often changing interchangeably when it comes to the discussion about mental health. But actually, they refer to two different things. Knowing the difference can help support people who are struggling with overwhelming emotions.

Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack carries each its weight in the realm of anxiety-related disorders. Yet, knowing the difference between the two can be like solving a hard code. In this article, We aim to clarify the difference between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks, unraveling the mysteries that often cloud discussions surrounding mental well-being. Read on to find out more about the differences between panic attacks and anxiety.

What is a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks come on suddenly and involve intense and often overwhelming fear. During a panic attack, individuals may experience a combination of physical and psychological symptoms, which can include rapid heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, trembling or shaking, feelings of impending disaster or loss of control, and tingling sensations.

Panic attacks may occur unexpectedly, without an obvious trigger, or specific situations, thoughts, or sensations can trigger them. They can be a one-time occurrence or can recur occasionally. While panic attacks themselves are not typically dangerous, they can be extremely distressing and disruptive to daily life.

Panic disorder is frequently connected with panic attacks, described by recurrent episodes and enduring worry regarding future occurrences. However, panic attacks can also occur in other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and certain medical conditions.

What is an Anxiety Attack?

An anxiety attack, also known as a panic attack, is an abrupt experience of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by a kind of physical and psychological symptoms. However, it’s important to note that some professionals differentiate between panic attacks and anxiety attacks, attributing less intense symptoms to anxiety attacks in comparison to panic attacks.

During an anxiety attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, feelings of choking, nausea or abdominal distress, feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint, distortion or paranoia (feeling detached from oneself or one’s surroundings), fear of losing control or going wild, fear of dying, numbness or tingling sensations, chills or hot flashes.

Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks may develop more gradually and persist for a longer duration. They are often triggered by specific stressors or situations that provoke feelings of apprehension or worry.

Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: How They Differ

Panic and anxiety attacks typically differ in severity and cause. However, they can both cause a rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and a sense of distress. Panic attacks are often more intense and can occur with or without a trigger, while anxiety attacks are a response to a perceived threat.

panic attack vs anxiety attack chart — Image source: Google

Intensity and Duration

Panic attacks hit like a sudden storm, escalating rapidly within minutes to a crescendo of symptoms. The experience is overwhelming, with individuals often describing sensations of impending doom, chest tightness, and a racing heart.

Then again, anxiety attacks unfold more gradually, similar to a slow-burning ember igniting a hot flame. While less intense than panic attacks, anxiety attacks can still be distressing, manifesting as persistent feelings of worry, restlessness, and muscle tension. Panic attacks typically last for a short duration, subsiding once the peak intensity diminishes. In contrast, anxiety attacks may linger for longer periods, casting a shadow of unease over daily life.

Trigger

Panic attacks can unexpectedly strike, seemingly out of the blue, but specific situations, thoughts, or physiological responses may also trigger them. Triggers for panic attacks vary widely among individuals and can include enclosed spaces, public speaking, or even certain foods or medications.

While for anxiety attacks identifiable stressors or situations that provoke feelings of apprehension or fear often cause anxiety attacks. These triggers could be anything from upcoming deadlines or social events to financial worries or health concerns. Identifying triggers is important for understanding and managing both panic and anxiety attacks, as it enables individuals to anticipate and address potential triggers proactively.

Response

During a panic attack, individuals often experience a fight-or-flight reaction, feeling an overwhelming urge to escape the situation or becoming paralyzed by fear. This primal response occurs due to the intense surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones flooding the body.

On the other hand, the response to an anxiety attack is more subtle but equally impactful, manifesting as a heightened state of vigilance and arousal. Individuals may become hypervigilant to perceived threats, scanning their environment for signs of danger. This heightened state of alertness can lead to fatigue and exhaustion as the body remains in a constant state of readiness to respond to potential threats.

Associated Conditions

Panic disorder often links with panic attacks, manifesting as recurrent episodes of panic and persistent anxiety about future occurrences. However, panic attacks can also occur in conjunction with other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and certain medical conditions.

Conversely, anxiety attacks are a quality feature of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about a wide range of everyday events and activities. Anxiety attacks can also occur in other anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the underlying conditions associated with panic and anxiety attacks is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Frequency

The frequency of panic attacks can vary widely among individuals, with some experiencing isolated episodes and others facing recurrent attacks. Factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and underlying health conditions can influence the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

In contrast, ongoing stressors and triggers in one’s life may be more closely tied to the frequency of anxiety attacks. Some individuals may experience sporadic anxiety attacks in response to specific stressors, while others may face more persistent and pervasive anxiety symptoms. Recognizing the frequency and patterns of panic and anxiety attacks is key to developing personalized coping strategies and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Causes of Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack

The main causes of panic and anxiety attacks include:

Genetics and family history
Traumatic life events
Phobias and fears
Substance use and withdrawal
Stress and life changes
Physical illnesses

Identifying and addressing the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment.

Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack: Symptoms

Symptoms	Panic Attack	Anxiety Attack
1. Intensity	Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort.	Excessive worry or apprehension.
2. Heart-related	Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) or pounding heart.	Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
3. Chest discomfort	Chest pain or discomfort.	None specified.
4. Breathing	Shortness of breath or feeling of choking.	Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
5. Physical sensations	Sweating, trembling, or shaking.	Excessive sweating, trembling or shaking.
6. Digestive issues	Nausea or abdominal distress.	Gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach or diarrhea.
7. Dizziness	Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.	Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
8. Temperature changes	Chills or hot flashes.	Hot flashes or chills.
9. Numbness/tingling	Numbness or tingling sensations.	Numbness or tingling sensations.
10. Mental perception	Fear of losing control or going wild.	Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
11. Mortality perception	Fear of dying.	None specified.
12. Disconnection	Feeling detached from oneself or surroundings (derealization or depersonalization).	None specified.
13. Anticipatory feelings	A sense of impending doom or danger.	Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
14. Restlessness	None specified.	Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
15. Muscle tension	None specified.	Muscle tension or tightness.
16. Irritability	None specified.	Irritability.
17. Sleep disturbances	None specified.	Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep.
18. Fatigue	None specified.	Fatigue or feeling easily fatigued.

Treatment And Medication

Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the various alternative therapies for anxiety and panic attacks. Here are several treatment options they may discuss with you:

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Various forms of talking therapy can be employed, often in conjunction:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach aids in reframing distressing thoughts and developing coping strategies for managing triggers.
Cognitive Therapy: Targeting unhelpful thought patterns, this therapy helps to reframe and neutralize underlying anxieties.
Exposure Therapy: Controlled exposure to anxiety-inducing situations assists in numbing individuals and encouraging new coping mechanisms.
Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation promote relaxation and decrease anxiety.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe various medications, including:

Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed for long-term management.
Beta-blockers: These medications help control physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate.
Anti-anxiety drugs: Benzodiazepines, which act as sedatives, doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines for short-term relief but they carry a risk of dependence.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the potential adverse effects linked to these medications. While SSRIs and SNRIs require time to become effective, benzodiazepines should be used short-term due to their potential for dependency.

How Can I Prevent Panic Attacks?

To prevent panic attacks, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and manage your anxiety. Some of the strategies involved are:

Understand Your Triggers: Identify situations or events that tend to trigger your panic attacks, and learn how to manage or avoid them.
Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and prevent panic attacks. Focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep can help improve your overall well-being and reduce stress.
Seek Professional Help: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance on managing anxiety and preventing panic attacks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that can be effective.
Use Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like muscle relaxation, visualization, and mindfulness can help calm your mind and body, reducing the likelihood of panic attacks.

The Bottom Line

Distinguishing between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While panic attacks often manifest suddenly and intensely, anxiety attacks may develop more gradually. Treatment options for both include counseling, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

For panic attacks, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication such as antidepressants or beta-blockers, and relaxation techniques are commonly employed. On the other hand, anxiety attacks are often addressed with CBT, medication like SSRIs or SNRIs, and relaxation methods.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and circumstances. By seeking timely support and intervention, individuals can effectively manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

FAQs

What cured your panic attacks?

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is considered an effective first-choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorders and learn how to cope with them.

What triggers panic attacks?

Triggers for panic attacks can include over-breathing, long periods of stress, activities that lead to intense physical reactions (for example exercise, excessive coffee drinking), and physical changes occurring after illness or a sudden change of environment.

What are silent panic attacks?

A silent panic attack includes internal symptoms like fear of loss of control, chest pain, shaking, dizziness, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, numbness of extremities, nausea, feelings of detachment, and/or hot flashes.