The Difference Between High Anxeity and a Panic Attack /

Is anxiety the same as a panic attack? Not quite, according to experts. Although they are similar, especially by name, they are actually two different things that affect the body and mind differently. Still, many people confuse the two and tend to call anxiety a "panic attack" and vice versa. However, it is important to distinguish between the two, among other reasons, to understand what treatment is required in each case. So today, we'll clear up the confusion a bit, explain what anxiety is, what a panic attack is, what the difference between them is, and what you need to do if you or someone important to you suffers from either of them.

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.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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