Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack

While these two terms are often used together, there is a difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, and they can drastically affect mental health. While they fall under the anxiety disorder category, their distinctions make management and treatment a bit complicated. This post will talk about their symptoms, triggers, and how one deals with the condition.  

What is a Panic Attack? 

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort. In that time, there is a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. Panic attacks strike without any warning signs and can be scary. The first and the most significant hallmark of an attack is how suddenly it starts and leaves one with the feeling of losing control. 

Symptoms of Panic Attacks :

• Palpitations or accelerated high-rate 

• Shortness of breath or feeling of suffocation 

• Chest pain or pressure 

• Diaphoresis 

• Trembling or shakiness 

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting 

• Chills or hot flashes 

• Nausea or abdominal distress 

• Numbness or tingling sensations 

• Sense of detachment from reality or self (derealization or depersonalization) 

• Fear of losing control or "going crazy" 

• Fear of dying 

A panic attack might last from a few minutes to half an hour, and most people also experience a "panic hangover" that involves residual symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety. 

What is an Anxiety Attack? 

An anxiety attack is not very commonly used as a diagnosis in medicine but usually is meant to be an episode of increased distress or anxiety that could go on to escalate. As opposed to panic attacks, anxiety attacks are normally due to some stimulus or trigger, like stressful conditions, social situations, or even certain thoughts.  

Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks :

• Restlessness or feeling on edge 

• Increased heart rate 

• Muscle tension 

• Sweating 

• Problems concentrating or a blank mind 

• Irritability 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Fatigue 

• Nausea 

• Gastrointestinal discomfort.  

Anxiety attacks are much more distressing than panic attacks and affect a person's ability to continue with his life activities. 

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack Symptoms: A Comparison 

Understanding the difference between anxiety attack and panic attack is necessary for proper control. Some of the differences worth noting include: 

Onset and Duration:

• Panic Attack: Normally sudden, acute, and occur without apparent warning; peaking usually within minutes and lasts about 30 minutes. Though they may come on very suddenly, or they are triggered by specific things but are usually unpredictable. 

• Anxiety Attacks: Typically develop over time in reaction to stressors or anxiety-inducing situations. The symptoms often persist longer, sometimes for hours or even days. 

Triggers:

• Panic Attacks: Typically without apparent triggers. This unpredictability often increases fear of future attacks and leads to anticipatory anxiety 

• Anxiety Attacks: Typically have apparent triggers; for instance, work-related stress, social situation, or health issue. Individuals may often know what caused their heightened sense of anxiety. 

Severity of Symptoms:

• Panic Attacks: Extremely intense physical and emotional symptoms, which can be overwhelming. The fear of dying or losing control is common. 

• Anxiety Attacks: Symptoms can be less severe than panic attacks, with a feeling of persistent worry or unease rather than acute fear. 

Physical vs. Emotional Symptoms :

• Panic Attacks: Primarily are characterized by intense somatic symptoms (such as heart palpitations, and shortness of breath) with intense emotional fear. 

• Anxiety Attacks: Often occur with primarily emotional symptoms, such as increased anxiety, agitation, or irritability, and minimal somatic symptoms. 

After-Effects :

• Panic Attacks: Commonly leave a state of exhaustion, tiredness, or even anxiety for hours or even days after the attack. 

• Anxiety Attacks: May lead to a chronic sense of tension or fear but are unlikely to result in the same level of physiological exhaustion. 

Are Panic Attacks the Same as Anxiety? 

While panic attacks and anxiety share many similarities, such as being related to an anxiety disorder and sometimes even having overlapping symptoms, they certainly are not the same. Panic attacks are intense and sudden, often with little to no obvious cause, while anxiety is usually more gradual and tied to identifiable stressors. Knowing the difference is important for effective treatment and coping strategies. 

Did I Have an Anxiety Attack or a Panic Attack? 

Many people have not made a distinction, nor is it clear to them if they had an anxiety attack or a panic attack, especially when they have had both. So here are some questions to consider: 

• What triggered the episode? 

If you can pinpoint a cause or trigger, it is more likely to be an anxiety attack. If it just came on spontaneously and strongly, then it may be a panic attack. 

• How long did the episode last? 

Anxiety attacks will tend to peak over a very short duration of time but last a relatively long period, while panic attacks have a shorter duration. Other symptoms, therefore, determine how the experience should be diagnosed. 

• How did your attack feel? 

You experienced a "hangover" feeling of tiredness and anxiety, so it may be an attack of panic. You might experience an anxiety attack with tension that is ongoing and extreme fear is absent. 

Methods of Controlling Panic and Anxiety Attacks 

Awareness of what is the difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is a first step in proper management. The following techniques can be applied for control of both conditions: 

1. Deep Breathing Exercises 

Deep breathing calms the nervous system and therefore reduces anxious feelings. Observe this technique: slow breathing in and out through the nose. It takes a couple of seconds to breathe slowly in the nose and let it seep slowly into the mouth. This one can even be helpful while having either a panic or an anxiety attack. 

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation 

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help ground you in the present and calm your anxiety. These techniques can be particularly useful in addressing anticipatory anxiety related to panic attacks. 

3. Identify Triggers 

Note down any experiences you have regarding such attacks. You may soon start to see a trend with some situations or thoughts, thereby making it easier to handle. 

4. Seek a Mental Health Worker 

A mental health professional can provide you with suitable management techniques and treatment interventions that will make it easier to deal with.  

5. Building a Network of Support 

Sharing your experience with your friends and family, even other patients, is as important as connecting to the support network of friends and relatives. People experiencing might find you less lonely for ideas and thoughts about your trip. 

6. Healthy Lifestyle 

It all has to do with how healthy your routine is too. Proper exercise, dietary intake, and sleep enhance overall well-being and give some sense of capability to overcome panic and anxiety attacks. 

7. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol 

Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. Avoid or eliminate these substances to diminish the number and severity of panic and anxiety attacks. 

8. Medication If Needed 

For some patients, medication is an indispensable part of the treatment program for panic and anxiety disorders. Consult a mental health professional to discuss possible options and whether they would apply to your case. 

Conclusion 

The difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks needs to be known so that the management and treatment can be performed accordingly. Though they are painful and inconvenient, knowing how they differ helps one regain their psychological well-being. Managing panic and anxiety attacks through coping skills and professional guidance will significantly help improve general wellness. If you are in distress or know of anyone in distress, never be afraid to seek professional advice. 

Q&A 

Q1: What is the major difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks? 

The main difference lies in the onset and severity. Panic attacks are abrupt and intense, often unprovoked, while anxiety attacks are generally related to some identifiable stressors and typically develop over time. 

Q2: Do anxiety attacks lead to panic attacks? 

Yes, if the anxiety is of long duration and the individual feels fearful or stressed to such an extent, it might precipitate a panic attack. Properly managed anxiety can prevent a panic attack. 

Q3: What do I do if I get a panic attack? 

While in a panic attack, focus on doing deep breathing and grounding skills. Tell yourself that the panic will soon subside, and relax when possible. 

Q4: When do I visit a professional for my attacks? 

You should see a professional if your panic or anxiety attacks seriously affect your lifestyle or if you are feeling that they are getting progressively harder to handle. Early intervention shall help in achieving better outcomes.