Anxiety Attacks vs Panic Attacks

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America). Given the high rates of anxiety disorders, It’s common to hear people talk about anxiety attacks and panic attacks interchangeably. This is understandable given that anxiety attacks and panic attacks share common symptoms like increased heart rate and shortness of breath.

Close to 11% of Americans experience a panic attack. Approximately 2% to 3% of them go on to develop panic disorder, per the Cleveland Clinic. According to the DSM-5, a panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. Common symptoms during a panic attack include physical and mental symptoms.

physical symptoms: pounding heart, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint, chills or heat sensations, numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia).

mental symptoms: feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization), fear of losing control, or fear of dying.

A panic attack is the hallmark feature of a condition called Panic Disorder. Furthermore, panic attacks can occur in the context of any anxiety disorder as well as other mental disorders. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and without warning. The symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes and tend to disappear soon after.

The term ‘anxiety attack’ is not defined in the DSM-5 but is used to describe a core feature of anxiety disorders. Anxiety tends to intensify over a length of time. Anxiety is significantly correlated with a potential danger (real or perceived) or excessive worry. If the anticipation of something escalates and a significant amount of stress becomes overwhelming, it might feel like an anxiety attack. The symptoms of anxiety tend to include the following symptoms:

mental symptoms: restlessness, irritability, difficulties concentrating.

physical symptoms: dizziness, fatigue, muscle tension, increased heart rate, disturbed sleep.

While some of the symptoms of anxiety are similar to panic attacks, the symptoms are generally less intense. The symptoms of anxiety may be persistent, short-lived, or long-lasting.

Psychotherapy especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very effective in treating panic attacks and anxiety disorders. CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical symptoms are all inter-connected. In psychotherapy, you can learn various CBT skills that can help feel in control of your anxiety rather than anxiety controlling you.

If you are needing help in dealing with your anxiety, please consider setting up a free phone consultation and we can discuss how therapy can be helpful.