Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: Differences Explained

Anxiety and panic attacks are often confused with each other, mostly because people think having anxiety and panic attacks are the same thing. However, they are very different from each other, with differing ranges of symptoms that people should be aware of.

 

The symptoms of an anxiety attack occur after a long period of excessive worry. Before treatment for anxiety. can begin, it’s important to look at what these symptoms are:

● Sweating

● Trembling

● Increased Heart Rate

● Nervousness

● Disturbances during sleep

● Rapid breathing

● Irritability

● Difficulty concentrating

● Having a sense of impending danger

The symptoms of anxiety are not a diagnosable condition. However, the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are. These symptoms often last longer than those of a panic attack and may persist for weeks, months, or even years.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are sudden and typically occur with or without an identifiable trigger. These symptoms include:

● Sweating

● Shaking

● Stomach pain

● Shortness of breath

● Chest pain

● Hot flashes or chills

● Rapid heart rate

● Dizziness

● Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Panic attacks can last anywhere from five to twenty minutes. However, it is possible for several panic attacks to occur in a row, making an attack seem much longer than it really is. After a panic attack, a person may feel stressed, worried, or somewhat unusual for the rest of the day.

What To Do During A Panic Or Anxiety Attack

Even though the two conditions are not the same thing, the steps that can be taken when one is occurring are similar. The goal is to help the body relax before things get out of control.

● Acknowledgment: recognizing what’s going on is better than denial; the symptoms of either attack are extremely frightening. Recognizing the symptoms when they occur and remembering that they will pass will help to reduce anxiety and fear.

● Breathing techniques: both attacks will result in breathing difficulties. Learn techniques to control your breathing, which can help to minimize the severity of the attack.

● Relaxation techniques: practice progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery to help reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.

● Mindfulness: this can help a person stay grounded in the moment so that their panic or anxiety doesn’t get away from them.

Medical Treatments for Anxiety And Panic Attacks

One of the best treatments for these conditions is therapy. Engaging in regular therapy sessions can help to identify what those triggers are so that the symptoms can become more manageable.

Another option is medication, which can reduce the symptoms of those who have severe anxiety and panic disorders. A variety of different medications may be recommended to see what works best for the individual.

Although panic and anxiety attacks do share some symptoms, they are quite different from each other. Both panic and anxiety, however, can be distressing and disruptive to one’s daily life, but learning some self-help strategies can help to reduce the intensity of those symptoms. Speak to your doctor today if you’re concerned about symptoms you may be having, especially if they’re disrupting your normal daily schedule.