Panic and anxiety attacks are situations that anyone may experience at some point in life, and although they may seem similar, each has specific characteristics.
Anxiety attack
Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or worry that can normally occur in response to stress. This feeling should help a person face a situation, provide energy, and allow them to focus; however, when it cannot be controlled, anxiety attacks or anxiety disorders may occur, which are recurrent episodes of intense anxiety that affect a person’s mind and body, as well as their quality of life.
Someone experiencing anxiety attacks will notice that feelings of panic and anxiety begin to interfere with daily life, becoming difficult to control and exaggerating the perception of danger far beyond reality.
Depending on a person’s characteristics, there are different types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: people worry excessively about everyday situations such as money, work, family, or health. In some cases, these worries may occur daily.
- Panic disorder: people experience sudden and repeated panic attacks followed by intense fear without a real reason to feel threatened; these episodes can last minutes or hours.
- Phobias: individuals with phobias have an intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as spiders, going outside, darkness, or public speaking.
There is no definitive cause for anxiety disorders; they can arise from traumatic experiences, social or family pressures, personal relationships, biological factors, or even as a result of other health conditions.
Difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack
Although anxiety attacks and panic attacks are often confused, they have distinct characteristics.
A person experiencing an anxiety attack may feel:
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Fatigue without apparent reason
- Mental exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
- Recurring episodes of these symptoms
A person experiencing a panic attack may feel:
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- Shortness of breath
- Strong palpitations
- Sweating
- Muscle tremors
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Headache
- Chills
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Tingling or numbness
- A sense that the outside world feels unreal (derealization)
- A feeling of being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
To differentiate both, consider the following:
- A panic attack may occur without an apparent trigger; anxiety attacks are usually responses to stressful situations (at least from the person’s perspective).
- Symptoms in panic attacks are intense; in anxiety attacks, the intensity varies.
- Panic attack symptoms appear suddenly; anxiety attack symptoms emerge gradually and increase over time.
- Panic attacks last a short period; anxiety attacks can last a long time if not controlled.
Anxiety attack, what to do
It is important to see a specialist when anxiety begins to interfere with relationships, work, or other aspects of life. It is also essential to seek help if negative emotions become difficult to manage. Depression, drug use, and alcohol consumption can worsen mental health, so timely assistance is crucial.
Although there is no absolute way to prevent mental health disorders, certain actions can help slow their progression, reduce the likelihood of onset, or treat them early.
Seeking help promptly allows anxiety attacks to be managed more effectively. Stay active doing activities you enjoy. Avoid drug and alcohol use, as these substances can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Depending on the case, a doctor may recommend psychotherapy, medication, or both.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
