According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 6.7% of Americans experience panic disorder in any given year, and 18.1% experience an anxiety disorder. The two conditions can be related and often involve similar symptoms, yet there are important differences to understand. This article explains the primary differences between a panic attack and an anxiety attack.
What Is the Definition of a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated sudden spikes in fear or intense worry. A person experiencing a panic attack may feel overwhelmed and overwhelmed by fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trouble breathing, and chest pain. These symptoms can vary in intensity and severity, and can occur with little or no warning.
What Is the Definition of an Anxiety Attack?
An Anxiety attack is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of fear or intense worrying. Anxiety attacks often involve physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trouble breathing, and chest pain. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks usually occur with a sense of impending doom and often have a specific cause or trigger.
Key Differences Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack
There are several key differences between a panic attack and an anxiety attack that can help inform diagnosis, treatment, and management for a person experiencing either condition.
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Symptoms: Panic attacks involve more intense and dramatic physical symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, compared to anxiety attacks which tend to be associated with a feeling of impending doom and may be triggered by a specific event or worry.
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Duration: Panic attacks last between 5-20 minutes while anxiety attacks may last up to 30 minutes.
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Intensity: Panic attacks are more sudden and intense than anxiety attacks, which typically build over time.
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Frequency: Panic attacks can be more sporadic, whereas anxiety attacks may happen more regularly (e.g. before an exam or important meeting).
Causes of Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks
While the exact cause of panic attacks and anxiety attacks is not well understood, there are a few factors that have been linked to an increased risk. This includes:
• Genetics: A family history of mental illness may increase the risk for both conditions.
• Stress: Exposure to stressful situations, such as a divorce, the death of a loved one, or engaging in a dangerous activity, can trigger episodes of either a panic attack or an anxiety attack.
• Trauma: Unresolved trauma from a past event may increase the risk for both conditions, as can ongoing exposure to trauma.
• Substance abuse: Regular use of alcohol or drugs may increase the risk of having an anxiety or panic attack.
• Environment: There is a growing body of research suggesting that environmental factors, such as lack of sleep and poor nutrition, can increase the risk of an anxiety or panic attack.
Treatment for Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks
The primary treatment for panic attacks and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy and is effective in reducing symptoms associated with both conditions.
In addition to psychotherapy, medications can also be beneficial in treating panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Commonly prescribed medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
To supplement therapy and medication, a person may also find self-help strategies to be beneficial. This can include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and yoga, as well as mindfulness-based practices. A doctor or therapist may be able to provide guidance on additional strategies that may be helpful to manage panic attacks and anxiety attacks.
Learn to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms
It can be difficult to recognize the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. It is important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of either, so you can seek appropriate treatment when needed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a panic attack or an anxiety attack, it is important to speak to a doctor or therapist right away. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances of managing these conditions.
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are two forms of mental health conditions that can affect anyone. While they can be related and share many symptoms, there are key distinctions between a panic attack and an anxiety attack, including the intensity and duration of symptoms, the types of symptoms, and the frequency of episodes. It is important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of each condition, so you can seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment when needed.