Oftentimes, the terms “anxiety attack” and “panic attack” are mentioned interchangeably, with many considering them to refer to the same kind of attack. The confusion is understandable, since they have some similar emotional and physical symptoms, but they are actually two separate kinds of attacks that are associated with different symptoms. Nonetheless, it is important to distinguish between the two attacks in order to successfully identify each of them, as well as to prevent potentially being misdiagnosed and becoming dependent on a medication that is not needed.
The Difference
To begin with, the causes and risk factors of anxiety attacks and panic attacks are similar. These risk factors include experiencing or witnessing trauma, experiencing a past or ongoing stressful life event, living with a chronic or life-threatening illness, living with another mental health disorder, and using drugs or alcohol. Moreover, females experience these attacks more than males.
Usually, anxiety attacks are triggered by a threatening stressor, which could come in the form of hearing footsteps while walking down a dark alley or even looking down from the edge of a rollercoaster hill. Anxiety attacks may also be triggered from long periods of excessive worry and symptoms. People going through an anxiety attack may become dizzy, afraid, worried, distressed, and apprehensive. Their heart starts to race, and their breaths become shorter as well. However, as soon as the stressor goes away, the anxiety attack does too, so it passes quite fast and is less severe.
With panic attacks, they usually happen unpredictably, without being triggered by a clear stressor. People going through a panic attack also become increasingly afraid and apprehensive, as they feel intense disruptive physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea. This leads them to believe that they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. After feeling excessive worry from going through such an attack, or even a series of attacks, they begin to avoid places where they got panic attacks, which is referred to as anticipatory anxiety. However, it is a common disorder that is very treatable for those who seek help.
Methods to Help You
Some useful remedies to try when going through anxiety attacks or panic attacks are to focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply, use relaxation techniques, distract oneself, and practice mindfulness. Some beneficial lifestyle changes may also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic attacks, as well as preventing them from occurring. It may be useful to decrease the stressors in one’s life, regularly exercise, practice yoga, eat well, learn to control negative thoughts, and limit alcohol, drug, and caffeine consumption.
These remedies and lifestyle changes may be useful enough for some to continue their lives less disturbed by such attacks.
However, some others may find the need to further seek medical help. Some common treatments for anxiety attacks and panic attacks are psychotherapy, medication, or even a combination of these treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy could also be great to help people suffering with such attacks to identify triggers and manage their symptoms. Nonetheless, it is important to note that, although an anxiety attack’s symptoms are recognizable, it is not diagnosable in the way that a panic attack is. This is because an anxiety attack is not clinically defined in the DSM-5. Regardless, to seek help is always the better option than to suffer alone as there will always be possible solutions that could alleviate pain and lead to a happier life.