Anxiety attacks and panic attacks have many characteristics. However, anxiety can be caused by certain stresses and may develop over time. However, panic episodes often come on suddenly and without warning. It's not uncommon to hear individuals equate anxiety episodes to panic attacks. However, the two scenarios are not the same. Keep reading to learn more about the distinctions between anxiety and panic attacks.
What Exactly Is An Anxiety Attack?
Although anxiety is a symptom of several common mental diseases, panic attacks are not specifically mentioned in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition" (DSM-5). Included in these terms and scenarios are:
- generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks
- Separation anxiophobia
There is room for interpretation regarding the signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks because the condition is not yet recognized as a diagnostic entity. One individual's "anxiety attack" may include symptoms that another person has never encountered, even if both claims to have suffered "anxiety attacks."
What Exactly Is A Panic Attack?
Anxiety and panic during a panic attack can be extreme and abrupt. They're accompanied by physically taxing symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea, which can be very difficult to cope with. Panic attacks are recognized and classified as either unexpected or anticipated in DSM-5.
Panic episodes may develop suddenly and without warning—external stresses, such as phobias, trigger anticipated panic attacks. Anyone is capable of experiencing a panic attack, but recurrent occurrences may indicate a mental health condition known as panic disorder.
Comparing Panic Attack Symptoms to Anxiety Attack Symptoms
Many of the mental and physical signs of a panic attack are similar to those of an anxiety attack. Feeling anxious and having a panic attack can occur simultaneously. Anxiety might occur, for example, if you're dreading a difficult circumstance, like giving a presentation at work. Anxiety can build up and lead to a panic attack if the time comes. Physical and mental symptoms, such as:
- fear and trepidation
- distress
- Apprehensions of Death or Helplessness
Comparing The Roots of Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Panic episodes often occur out of nowhere and have no discernible external causes. Anxiety and panic episodes have similar triggers. Here are some examples of common precipitating factors:
- a difficult work environment
- driving
- contexts in which people find themselves
- agoraphobia, claustrophobia, acrophobia
- Triggers that call up painful memories
- long-term health conditions such as asthma, IBS, and diabetes
Distinctive Features of Panic Disorder and Anxiety Disorder
Risk factors for anxiety and panic episodes are similar. A few examples are: Consistently Reliable Information From:
- having a terrible experience as a kid or as an adult; or having seen a horrific occurrence.
- going through a traumatic life event, including losing a loved one or getting a divorce
- being under constant pressure and worry due to factors like work commitments, family strife, or monetary concerns
Anxious people are more likely to have bouts of extreme fear. However, not everyone who worries will have a panic attack.
Diagnosing Panic vs. Anxiety
Doctors are unable to diagnose anxiety episodes. However, they can diagnose:
- signs of anxiousness
- Issues with Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Panic disorders
Your doctor will inquire about your state of health and do tests to rule out any possible causes. To get a diagnosis, a doctor may conduct the following:
- The use of a physical examination
- Checking the blood
- a psychiatric assessment or questionnaire
- Regarding treatment, panic and anxiety attacks are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
- Talk to your doctor about alternative therapies if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. Here are some potential therapies your doctor may suggest.
Therapy And Counseling
Anxiety and panic disorders are treatable with talk therapy, which might include the following and are typically used together.
CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy):
This form of treatment might give you a fresh perspective on your worries. Having a counselor can help you prepare for and healthily respond to triggers.
Cognitive therapy:
This can assist you in recognizing unproductive thinking patterns that contribute to your anxiety and allowing you to replace them with more positive ones.
Exposure therapy:
To overcome your worries and anxieties, this type of treatment uses a method called "controlled exposure."
Relaxation Methods:
Breathing exercises, visual visualization, gradual relaxation, biofeedback, and autogenic training are all examples. A physician can help you work through some of them.
Bottom Line
Both anxiety and panic episodes have different causes and symptoms. Despite the common usage of these phrases interchangeably, the DSM-5 only recognizes panic attacks. Many of the same triggers, causes and symptoms characterize anxiety and panic episodes. Panic episodes, however, are more severe and frequently come with more severe physical symptoms. You should talk to a doctor if anxiety or panic attacks interfere with your daily life.
