Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack: What's the Real Difference?

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We understand mental health problems, particularly anxiety attack vs panic attack are extremely hard to follow and frightening to the people who have it at Athena Behavioral Health Services. One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack. Although the two may have similar physical symptoms, the causes of these two conditions and their impact on individuals may differ widely. These differences are important in order to be treated and managed.

What is an Anxiety Attack?

An anxiety attack or what is commonly known as an anxiety episode usually happens due to a long period of worry, stress, or fear. These episodes do not always occur suddenly, but are normally influenced by certain factors that cause a person to be stressed in his life e.g. an upcoming event, work pressure, or personal problems.

Symptoms of Anxiety Attack

Anxiety attacks may be overwhelming, but they are more likely to develop over time. Anxiety attacks are characterized by common symptoms such as:

• Increased heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Chest tightness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Nausea

Although these symptoms of anxiety attacks may be severe, they are normally avoided as soon as the stressor or trigger is controlled. Anxiety attacks tend to accumulate with time and individuals can mostly pinpoint the cause to a certain event or situation.

What Is a Panic Attack?

Conversely, panic attack is sudden and is not normally caused by a recognizable stressor or fear. Panic attacks are known to occur in unpredictable situations, and the victim may feel like he or she is having a heart attack or any other illness, which may be severe.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

Panic attacks are severe episodes that usually reach the peak in minutes. The effects of a panic attack are:

• Palpitations or racing hearts.
• Pain or ache in the chest.
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pain or numbness in hands and feet.
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Choking sensation
• Sense of being out of touch with reality.

Unlike anxiety attacks, the symptoms of panic attacks are more abrupt and in most cases, they make people feel like they are losing control. They are especially distraught by the intensity and unpredictability of a panic attack.

Differences Between Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack

While anxiety and panic attacks share some overlapping symptoms, there are key differences that distinguish them:

Causes of Anxiety and Panic Attacks

It is important to learn the causes of both anxiety and panic attacks in order to treat them.

Causes of Anxiety Attack

Stressors can also be caused by anxiety attacks and are often promoted by negative thinking patterns. Such stressors can be:

• Work pressures
• Problems in the family or relationship.
• Financial worries
• Health concerns

Anxiety in certain instances could be as a result of underlying anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that results in worry that is always constant and excessive.

Causes of Panic Attack

Panic attacks are however, very unpredictable. Even though stress can cause panic attacks, it does not always have a recognizable or an apparent cause. It may be caused by:

• Genetic factors (family history of panic disorder or anxiety)
• History of past trauma or stressful life events.
• Prolonged stress or anxiety.
• Biological, e.g. brain chemical imbalances.
• Phobia or certain fears (fear of flying, e.g.).

The diagnosis of panic disorder is used when a person has frequent panic attacks and more so when the victim fears the occurrence of another attack and thus he/she starts to avoid situations that could lead to an attack.

Read Also: How to stop panic attacks?

Anxiety vs Panic Attack Treatment

The treatment of anxiety and panic attacks can take various strategies, but they can be treated in a similar manner. The treatment is aimed at minimizing the number and severity of the attacks and assisting people in coping with stress and anxiety.

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety attack treatment usually involves coping with the problem of stress and finding better ways of coping. Common treatments include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Here the therapy assists the client to recognize and modify negative thinking patterns that lead to anxiety.

Mindfulness Meditation: Being mindful can assist people to remain on their feet and eliminate excessive worry.

Relaxation Techniques - Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and others can help alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Medication -Antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can be given to aid in controlling symptoms.

Panic Attack Treatment

The management of panic attacks usually involves the ways of dealing with the acute symptoms and preventing the occurrence in the future:

Panic-Focused CBT - This kind of therapy assists the individuals to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and fears which contribute to a panic attack.

Exposure Therapy - It involves taking people through a gradual exposure of situations that cause panic attacks to enable them to be desensitized to them.

Medication - Short term drugs, like benzodiazepines, can be used to treat the symptoms of a panic attack in the immediate period. Antidepressants could also be used long-term in individuals with a panic disorder.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional, especially if:

• You cannot determine the cause of your anxiety or panic.
• The attacks disrupt your everyday life or love relationships.
• You are having panic attacks or worrying too much which does not go away.
• You start avoiding places or situations because of being afraid of the panic attack.

We deal with evidence-based therapies in people who have anxiety and panic disorders at Athena Behavioral Health. We have a team of caring professionals who are committed to providing the support and care that you require to cope with the symptoms and enhance your mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

It is important to know the distinction between anxiety and panic attack in order to treat and manage the conditions. Be it anxiety attacks or panic attacks, you ought to understand that you can get assistance. Our Team has dedicated treatment programs that are designed to meet your specific needs, and help you back yourself to control your mental health. Get in touch with us now to see how we can help you to get over anxiety and panic disorders.

Make the initial step towards a more healthy, cooler life. Seek professional mental health assistance and treatment at Athena Behavioral Health. Contact Athena Behavioral Health at + 91 9289086193, a mental hospital in gurgaon