The terms Anxiety Attack and Panic Attack are often considered and used interchangeably. But medically, there’s a vast difference between these two terms. Where the panic attack is medically defined and has a different set of symptoms, an anxiety attack is a condition of sustaining the symptoms of anxiety with other disorders.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks. So here we go…
What’s an Anxiety Attack?
As defined by DSM-V, Anxiety attacks are not recognized as a medical condition but that doesn’t mean it’s not a big thing to worry about. The term “Anxiety Attack” is a colloquial phrase coined by people who often experience anxiety. Sometimes anxiety attacks are a prelude to panic attacks.
Anxiety as a symptom is related to numerous mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias.
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Causes of Anxiety Attack
There’s no one prime cause behind anxiety attacks. There can be numerous causes around it such as a perceived threat, an anxiety disorder, or any specific situation.
Perceived Threats
Sometimes anxiety attacks occur not in response to a negative or threatening situation but to the thought of something negative may happen.
Imagine you’re walking through a dark lane or street and you start wondering about being robbed by a thief, murdered by someone, or may encounter a ghost. With such consistent thoughts, you develop thinking negatively and eventually welcome anxiety attacks.
Anxiety Disorders
The main cause behind anxiety attacks is the anxiety disorder from which people suffer for a long time.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (or social phobia), or any specific phobia may trigger a situation of anxiety that may last for hours, being called an Anxiety Attack.
Specific Situations
Sudden lifestyle changes, disturbed routines, or social situations where you feel extremely self-conscious; may increase the chances of experiencing anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety Attack
- Feeling distressed
- Apprehension
- Worried & dread
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Sleeplessness
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Feeling wound up or on edge
- Feeling irritable
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What’s a Panic Attack?
Clinically defined by DSM-V, a sudden episode of intense fear which triggers several physical reactions despite no real danger or apparent causes. It is a recognized disorder with a series of criteria that must be fulfilled to announce it as a panic attack.
Causes of Panic Attack
The causes of panic attacks are way similar to those of anxiety attacks. But, the effect on your physical as well as mental state may vary.
Where expectant panic attacks are triggered by external factors such as phobias, scenarios of excessive self criticism; unexpected panic attacks occur without any prior symptoms or obvious causes.
However, people dealing with panic attacks may identify particular scenarios which can be the triggering factors or causes of panic attacks.
Still we can list down some of the most common causes below-
- Imbalance brain chemistry
- Hereditary
- Hormones imbalance
- Having anxious or neurotic personality
Besides this, certain situations that trigger panic attacks are mentioned below-
- Reminders of traumatic experiences and memories
- Odd social situations
- Worries related to chronic illness
- Financial pressure
- Relationship problems
- Excessive consumption of caffeine
- Life and routine changes
- Sudden alcohol or drug withdrawal
Panic attacks are severe for people who do not hold strong mental and emotional states. Therefore, it is advised to practice mindfulness and keep yourself encouraged and prepared for the odd life situations.
Symptoms of Panic Attack
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Accelerated Heart Rate
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Chest Pain
- Fear of Dying
- Fear of going crazy or losing control
- Chills or heat sensations
Anxiety Attack & Panic Attacks: Similarities
Both anxiety attacks and panic attacks may trigger by different mental states or disorders, or the former can be the prelude to the latter one. Yet, both have a certain set of similarities as mentioned below-
- State of fear
- Palpitations
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feeling light-headed or faint
- Tightness in the throat or feeling of being choked
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal distress
Anxiety Attack & Panic Attack: Differences
| Panic Attack | Anxiety Attack |
|---|---|
| 1. Panic Attacks occur without any trigger. | Anxiety Attacks occur in response to a perceived threat or stress. |
| 2. Panic Attacks are disruptive with worse physical symptoms. | Anxiety attacks are not as intense and disruptive as panic attacks. |
| 3. Panic attacks involve a sense of detachment from reality and happen suddenly. | Anxiety attacks are caused either by perceived threats or probable mis-happening. |
| 4. Panic Attacks subside for a few minutes only. | Anxiety attacks may persist for a longer span than panic attacks. |
| 5. Panic attacks include feelings of dread, fear of dying, or losing control over situations. | Anxiety attacks include stress, sleeplessness, tiredness, difficulty breathing, and lack of concentration. |
| 6. Panic attacks occur with no clear warning or triggering signs. | Anxiety attacks are related to the anticipation of stressors, past events, or experiences. It significantly triggers a feeling that something bad will happen. |
How To Control Anxiety Attack or Panic Attack?
After reading the above-mentioned differences, we can eventually say that both the terms are way different than people usually assume or consider calling them interchangeably.
But the moment you experience or see someone encountering an anxiety attack or panic attack, you can control or at least ease it a bit with these instant acts. Have a glance-
- Acknowledge the situation and find a quiet place to sit.
- Start taking slow and deep breaths.
- Start talking positively over the triggering situation with someone if you’re comfortable to talk.
- If you’re wearing tight clothes such as a tie or belt, lose them up to breathe properly.
- Try some relaxation techniques such as breathing deep, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery
- Drink water and wash your face.
Bottom Line
With this article, we are now able to identify whether it’s a panic attack or an anxiety attack and act accordingly to take control of it.
To treat anxiety as well as panic attacks, experienced doctors and psychologists often suggest exercising regularly, taking light and healthy food, drinking plenty of water, and practicing mindfulness through various meditation and yoga therapies.
Hope this Article may be helpful for you and your dear ones to understand the differences between anxiety attack and panic attack. Till then, stay healthy and be wealthy!
References-
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)- https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
- Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack: What’s the Difference? https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-difference-between-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks.html
- Is There A Difference Between An Anxiety Attack Vs A Panic Attack? https://pharmeasy.in/blog/is-there-a-difference-between-an-anxiety-attack-vs-a-panic-attack/
- Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: How They Differ https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-attacks-versus-panic-attacks-2584396
- What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack? https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack
- What You Need to Know About Panic Disorders? https://www.mcleanhospital.org/
