Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack: Key Differences

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks have similar symptoms, but it’s essential to know the difference between the two. Understanding each helps guide diagnoses and treatment.

Generally, the two vary in their onset, peak, and duration, effects, and symptoms. This article will take an in-depth look at panic and anxiety attacks so you can determine the best way to address what you’re experiencing.

What is a Panic Attack?

Accordingto DSM-5, a panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. Typical features include:

• Overwhelming fear: The person may think they are going to die or that they might experience a potentially fatal episode, such as a heart attack, or feel like they’re losing control

• Comes on suddenly, without warning

• Peaks in 10 minutes or less and completely subsides in 30-60 minutes

Common Anxiety Symptoms:

• Racing heart

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Sweating, shaking, chills, or hot flashes

• Numbness in the hands or face

• Dizziness

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Feelings of detachment

• Intense fear

What is an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks do not have an official diagnosis. They are a layman’s term for intense anxiety. Features often include:

• A gradual buildup of stress related to a specific worry, such as losing a job

• Intensity ranges from moderate to severe

• Can last hours, a full day, or come and go over several days

Common Panic Attack Symptoms:

• Excessive worry and rumination

• Restless feelings

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Trouble sleeping

• Digestive issues

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks

To sum it up, panic attacks and anxiety attacks differ as follows:

• Onset: Panic attacks are sudden, while anxiety attacks build gradually.

• Peak & Duration: Panic attacks peak within 10 minutes and typically last an hour or less. Anxiety attacks are gradual and can last hours or days.

• Main Feeling: With panic, you feel intense fear and terror that can feel life-threatening. Anxiety causes worry, dread, and apprehension.

• Symptoms Focus: Panic can cause intense physical symptoms, such as an accelerated heart rate, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Anxiety is more emotional in nature.

• Afterward: People who experience unexpected panic attacks may wonder when the next one is coming. Those with anxiety often remain in a cycle of worry.

How Does Treatment Differ?

Anxiety disorders and panic disorders can be treated with the same approach, although there are also specific therapies for each. For example:

Treatments for Anxiety & Panic

• Behavioral Therapy: CBT and other behavioral therapies are often used to help people learn how thoughts and feelings contribute to anxiety and panic, and assist them in developing coping skills to reduce reactions.

• Medications: Anti-anxiety medications like SSRIs and SNRIs may be prescribed.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Mental health professionals may recommend improving sleep and diet, exercising, learning deep breathing exercises, and meditating to treat anxiety and panic.

Treatments for Panic Disorders

• Interoceptive Exposure Therapy: With this technique, the individual will force themselves to experience the physical symptoms of a panic attack to understand that they are uncomfortable but not dangerous. For example, they may breathe through a straw to simulate shortness of breath or spin in a chair to experience dizziness.

• Situational Exposure: This is similar to interoceptive exposure, but instead of experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack, you will face the fears that trigger the attacks, such as crowds, specific people, or places. You will learn how to manage anxiety rather than allow it to overwhelm you in these situations.

• Changing Your Interpretation of Attacks: The therapy will teach you to identify a panic attack for what it is and not label it as something mysterious and dangerous.

Treatments for Anxiety Attacks

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: People with this condition will learn to challenge ‘what if’ thinking, postpone worries, and focus on problem-solving.

• Social Anxiety: Individuals with this disorder will face their fears by forcing themselves into social situations. They will learn to challenge beliefs, such as the idea that people will hate them if they act a certain way, and to reduce safety behaviors, such as over-preparing and avoiding eye contact.

• Specific Phobias: This therapy typically involves exposure to specific fears so they don’t seem as threatening.

When to Get Help

A panic attack and an anxiety attack may vary in symptoms and treatments, but there are signs that tell you that you need to reach out for help. Here are some to consider.

• Your disorder is interfering with your life, causing you to avoid work, school, or social situations

• You feel on edge most days

• Your problems are getting worse, episodes are occurring more often, and are more severe

• You’re developing other mental disorders, such as depression

• You use drugs to handle your emotions

• You’ve tried self-help, and it doesn’t work

• You’re experiencing suicidal ideation

• For panic attacks, you have physical symptoms that could potentially worsen, such as heart problems

BNI Treatment Centers Can Help You Achieve a Higher State of Well-Being

BNI Treatment Centers is a recommended facility for teen mental health conditions. We understand the nuances of different disorders and tailor plans to individual needs. Our team develops treatments tailored to clients’ goals and lifestyles, ensuring long-term success.

As a teen treatment facility, we reach young adults where they are, offering a relatable approach that supports adherence. We provide academic support to ensure clients don’t fall behind in their studies. Our therapists integrate families, so teens get the care they need to succeed.

We guide teens on a recovery journey from detox to therapy and beyond. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.