Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference?
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference?
Introduction
Anxiety attacks and panic attacks are often used interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts. While anxiety attacks are a colloquial term used to describe emotional and physical responses to stressors, panic attacks are recognized episodes of intense anxiety that come with severe physical and mental symptoms. In this article, we will explore the differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate these conditions.
What’s an Anxiety Attack?
An anxiety attack is a colloquial term used to describe episodes of heightened anxiety that occur in response to specific stressors. Some people may use this term to describe overwhelming emotions and physical symptoms that are similar to a panic attack. However, anxiety attacks are not a formal medical term and do not have specific diagnostic criteria.
Panic Attacks: What Are They?
Panic attacks are defined as episodes of acute anxiety that manifest with significant physical and psychological symptoms. These episodes typically arise suddenly and may occur without any identifiable cause. The experience of a panic attack is often marked by overwhelming intensity, resulting in physical manifestations such as a rapid heartbeat, perspiration, shaking, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, individuals may experience profound feelings of fear, anxiety, and apprehension.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can elicit a variety of both physical and psychological symptoms, which may include:
- – Feelings of apprehension and concern
– Severe emotional distress
– Fear of imminent death or loss of control
– A sensation of detachment from reality (derealization) or from oneself (depersonalization)
– Heart palpitations or an increased heart rate
– Chest discomfort
– Difficulty breathing
– A sensation of tightness in the throat or a feeling of choking. - Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Chills or hot flashes
- Trembling or shaking
- Numbness or tingling (paresthesia)
- Nausea, abdominal pain, or upset stomach
- Headache
- Feeling faint or dizzy
Causes and Risk Factors
Panic attacks may arise from both anticipated and unanticipated causes. Anticipated panic attacks occur when an individual encounters a known trigger, such as a fear of flying or social anxiety. In contrast, unanticipated panic attacks manifest without any identifiable external triggers and can happen suddenly.
Several risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks, including:
– Experiencing trauma or observing traumatic incidents, whether during childhood or adulthood
– Undergoing significant life stressors, such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce
– Dealing with persistent stress and concerns, including work obligations, familial conflicts, or financial difficulties
– Living with a chronic health issue or a life-threatening condition
– Possessing an anxious disposition
– Having another mental health disorder, such as depression
– Having close relatives who also suffer from anxiety or panic disorders
– Engaging in the use of illicit substances or alcohol consumption.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because it is not a formal condition, healthcare professionals do not diagnose anxiety attacks. Instead, they diagnose panic disorder, which involves repeated panic attacks that are persistent and distressing.
To diagnose a panic disorder, a doctor may:
- Conduct a physical exam
- Order blood tests
- Order a heart test, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Recommend a psychological evaluation or questionnaire
Mental health professionals may prescribe different strategies, including psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medications, to manage panic disorder. These strategies can involve:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals see things in a new light and develop strategies for managing triggers when they arise
- Cognitive therapy, which helps individuals identify, reframe, and neutralize the underlying unhelpful thoughts that tend to accompany panic disorder
- Exposure therapy, which involves controlled exposure to situations that trigger fear and anxiety
- Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, biofeedback, and autogenic training
A doctor may also suggest attending individual sessions, group sessions, or a combination of both.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also help alleviate panic attacks and reduce their severity. These changes can include:
- Practicing mindfulness, which involves actively observing thoughts and sensations without reacting to them
- Taking slow, deep breaths when experiencing anxiety or a panic attack
- Recognizing and accepting what you’re experiencing, rather than trying to fight or run away from it
- Using relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery, aromatherapy, and muscle relaxation
- Engaging in regular exercise, such as yoga or jogging
- Getting enough sleep and establishing a consistent sleep schedule
- Eating a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
Conclusion
In conclusion, while anxiety attacks and panic attacks are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct concepts. Anxiety attacks are colloquial terms used to describe emotional and physical responses to stressors, while panic attacks are recognized episodes of intense anxiety that come with severe physical and mental symptoms. By understanding the differences between these conditions and the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available, individuals can take steps to manage their anxiety and panic attacks and improve their overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks?
A: Anxiety attacks are colloquial terms used to describe emotional and physical responses to stressors, while panic attacks are recognized episodes of intense anxiety that come with severe physical and mental symptoms.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of a panic attack?
A: Panic attacks can cause a range of physical and mental symptoms, including apprehension and worry, intense distress, fear of dying or losing control, sense of detachment from the world or oneself, and more.
Q: What are the risk factors for developing panic attacks?
A: Risk factors for developing panic attacks include experiencing trauma, witnessing traumatic events, experiencing stressful life events, having an anxious personality, having close family members with anxiety or panic disorders, and more.
Q: How are panic attacks diagnosed?
A: Panic attacks are diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
Q: What are the treatment options for panic attacks?
A: Treatment options for panic attacks include psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medications. These strategies can involve cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, and more.
Q: Can lifestyle changes help alleviate panic attacks?
A: Yes, lifestyle changes can help alleviate panic attacks and reduce their severity. These changes can include practicing mindfulness, taking slow, deep breaths, recognizing and accepting what you’re experiencing, using relaxation techniques, and more.
