What is a panic attack?
"A panic attack is sudden and rapid, and it is a psychological and emotional response that overwhelms us," explains Dr. Deborah Serani, a psychologist and senior lecturer at Adelphi University in New York. "It is a frightening and unpleasant moment for the body and mind that causes a 'fight, flight, or freeze' response. Simply put, the body is flooded with stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, which put us into a state of hyperarousal," she explains.
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Rapid breathing
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Chills
- Sweating
- A sense of immense dread
- A feeling of choking
- Fear of losing control
- Feeling like you are "going to die"
- A sense of detachment from reality or yourself
A panic attack is meant to serve as a defense mechanism, and there is no single identifiable trigger since it can occur even when the person is not under actual danger, says Dr. Nicole Arcafitz, an expert from Virginia in anxiety treatments. This is actually one of the symptoms of panic disorder – a mental disorder where panic attacks occur regularly – but it can also accompany fears, mood disorders, or trauma-related disorders.
Although panic attacks are often accompanied by physical symptoms and can be quite intense, they usually do not pose a health risk. However, they can affect mental health and quality of life, so it is important to seek professional help if you experience panic attacks.
What is anxiety?
Unlike a "panic attack," which is considered a psychiatric issue, anxiety is an emotion, and its physical effects are far less intense.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- A sense of fear or discomfort
- Uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts
- Cold or sweaty palms
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rapid heartbeat
These symptoms typically appear gradually and tend to arise from some factor that generates anxiety. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, but a person can experience anxiety without suffering from such a problem. People who do have generalized anxiety disorder tend to feel unreasonable worries about everyday issues, such as chores, work, responsibilities, and health, and it is far more common than a panic attack.
So what exactly is the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
The symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks can seem similar in some respects, as both can involve breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, and a sense of fear. However, they also differ in many ways. "One of the key differences between the two is the ability to identify the trigger and the severity of the body's response," says Dr. Arcafitz.
- A panic attack is quick and sudden, while anxiety builds gradually.
- A panic attack often has no identifiable cause or event, whereas anxiety can be linked to a specific trigger or event.
- A panic attack is very intense, while anxiety causes a sense of dread but does not lead to the thought of "I am going to die."
- A panic attack causes extreme physical reactions, such as chest pain, trembling, and vomiting, while anxiety is mainly a psychological response that leads to muscle tension and unease but not uncontrolled bodily movements or reactions.
When should you see a doctor about anxiety or a panic attack?
The type of help you need depends on the symptoms you are experiencing. A panic attack can sometimes lead to symptoms of a heart attack, and if you experience chest pain, breathing difficulties, or even loss of consciousness, or if the panic attack lasts more than 15 minutes, it is highly recommended to call emergency services and seek immediate help.
On the other hand, if you do not feel the need for immediate help but suffer from anxiety that disrupts your daily life, it is recommended to see a doctor. "I always recommend starting by seeing a general practitioner, as we want to ensure there is no medical issue that appears like anxiety," explains Dr. Serani. Once your doctor rules out other potential causes of your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental health professional. Treatment for both panic attacks and anxiety may overlap to some extent, as psychotherapy can address both, but if your symptoms are very severe, you may be recommended medication, such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs.
In conclusion
Anxiety and panic attacks are two different things. Although they sound similar by name and even in some of their symptoms, they require different treatments, especially in the immediate term. Now you know how to identify each of these cases and also how to treat them, and it is recommended that you share this article with others who you think confuse the two concepts – it will help them better understand what they are suffering from and how to treat themselves properly.
