Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack: What’s the Real Difference?

Having the feeling of a racing heart, difficulty breathing, or a sudden sensation of terror is more common than you may think. Most individuals suffer episodes of anxiety, yet it becomes difficult to attribute them to anxiety attacks or panic attacks. What helps is supportive and proper treatment, and understanding the distinction between panic attacks and anxiety.

In this guide, we are going to simplify the concept of panic attack vs anxiety attack and how each is experienced. We also cover how you or your loved one can seek help, particularly in Spokane Valley, Washington, or the surrounding areas.

What Is the Difference Between Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

Anxiety attack vs panic attack is not interchangeable, though people tend to switch terms instead of referring to one or another. Although they are both reactions to stress or fear, they differ in terms of their intensity, duration, and sources.

Anxiety Attack

Anxiety attack is not an official term in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), but is used by people to indicate a time of excessive worry or fear. It advances slowly and is most often associated with an apparent cause, such as stress at work, health issues, or relationship problems.

Symptoms of an anxiety attack may include the following.

1. Restlessness or irritability
2. Trouble sleeping
3. Fatigue
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Increased heart rate
6. Chest pain or tightness
7. Feeling tense or nervous
8. Physical symptoms like dizziness or stomachaches

The duration of anxiety attacks exceeds that of panic attacks most of the time, and is also often connected with chronic stress or unresolved problems.

Panic Attack

A panic attack creeps up and is characterized by the fact that its onset can hardly be determined. It is uncomfortable and leads to a state of being overwhelmed, though it usually occurs within 20 minutes, but it will seem like an eternity.

Symptoms of experiencing a panic attack include the following.

1. Rapid or pounding heart rate
2. Sweating or shaking
3. Trouble breathing or a choking feeling
4. Feeling detached from reality
5. Numbness or tingling
6. Fear of dying or “going crazy”
7. Chest pain (often confused with a heart attack)
8. Feeling lightheaded or faint

These attacks are life-threatening if they are not treated, not in the fact that they are going to hurt you somehow physically, but because they can have very severe impacts on your personality and quality of life.

What Do Anxiety Attacks Feel Like?

Anxiety attacks feel overwhelming, both physically and mentally. You might experience an intense feeling that something bad is about to happen, even if there’s no clear reason. Your body may become tense, your heart rate may increase, and your breathing can feel shallow. Thoughts may race, making it hard to focus, and you might feel restless, edgy, or on high alert.

Compared to panic attacks that suddenly come out of nowhere, anxiety develops gradually and hangs around for days or even weeks. Other individuals say that they are stuck in their heads, feeling deep down, thinking about the worst scenarios all the time.

Are Anxiety and Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Anxiety and panic attacks are not physically dangerous, but can produce a severe, detrimental impact on your general well-being. Anxious feelings now and then or regular cases of panic attacks may lead to the following.

1. Mental health conditions like depression
2. Avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily life
3. Trouble sleeping or eating
4. Problems at work or in relationships
5. Mistaken medical diagnoses, such as thinking you are having a heart attack when in reality it was a panic attack

Untreated, such episodes may develop more complicated disorders or aggravate already existing problems.

Getting the Right Help: When to See a Professional

If you or a loved one feels anxious most of the time or has suffered a panic attack in the past, it is time to discuss the issue with mental health professionals.

We Level Up Washington can help individuals define their feelings, manage triggers, and improve their well-being through evidence-based practices. Despite anxiety or panic, our therapists do provide tools to help regain control.

Effective Treatment Options

Medications, therapy methods, and coping skills can make all the difference.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT has been cited as one of the best methods of handling panic and anxiety attacks. It helps to change the negative way of thinking and substitute it with healthier ones.

Relaxation Techniques

1. Deep breathing
2. Guided imagery
3. Progressive muscle relaxation

These practices stimulate your body’s natural stress response and relax the nervous system.

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Limit caffeine and alcohol
2. Exercise regularly
3. Practice mindfulness or meditation
4. Maintain a sleep routine

Medication

Medications can be prescribed by doctors in certain situations to alleviate signs of anxiety or to control acute symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The initial step in establishing control again is to understand the distinction between anxiety and panic attacks. Both are real and both are valid and have the right to attention and care.

Do not dismiss how you are feeling. Reach out. You might be getting help on your behalf or it can be on behalf of one of your family members, but the best help is only a phone call away.

Let We Level Up Washington accompany you on the way to recovery and serenity. You are not the only one, and you do not need to cope with this yourself.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.