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Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks:

Is there a difference?

Heather Rafanello, MSW, LCSW @GrowingMindsetTherapy 

Lately, I’m hearing more + more clients use the terms "anxiety attack" + "panic attack" interchangeably. While there are many similarities between the two, there are also some key differences to note. Let’s dive in.

Did you know that anxiety is a part of the human experience? We all experience it to some degree, in fact we’re wired to experience moderate levels of anxiety as a form of protection. For example, if we have an upcoming job interview, a moderate amount of anxiety will arise as motivation in an effort to tell us ‘hey, this interview is important, don’t mess it up!’ When someone experiences long periods of anxiety, or excessive amounts of anxiety, it becomes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Anxiety affects approximately 19% of U.S. adults annually, making it one of the most common mental health conditions (Ankrom, 2023).

Anxiety differs from panic in that it is more apprehensive + worrisome, while panic tends to be more sudden + consuming. Anxiety tends to build gradually over time + is often experienced as excessive worry about some real or perceived potential danger, which can often last for days, weeks, or even months. I would consider using the term anxiety spell over anxiety attack.

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Trouble concentrating, or feeling stuck in your thoughts

• Increased irritability

• Restlessness

• Trouble sleeping or fatigue

• Dizziness

• Increased heart rate

• Chest tightness

• Increased startle response

• Tension

Many adults experience GAD, but might not experience an ‘anxiety attack.’ If a person is noticing consistent increasing anxiety, to the point it becomes overwhelming then this is what would be considered an anxiety attack, or an anxiety spell. 

Panic attacks, on the other hand, have less of a natural function because of their abrupt intensity. Panic attacks vary from person to person. Some might regularly experience panic attacks, which could lead to a diagnosis of Panic Disorder, while others may experience infrequent panic attacks, and some might never experience them. Nonetheless it’s important to note that it is also possible to have a panic attack and not meet the criteria for panic disorder. 

“A panic attack is an intense and sudden feeling of fear, terror, or discomfort accompanied by several other mental and physical symptoms” (Ankrom, 2023). The physical symptoms of a panic attack can be so extreme that a person might fear that they are dying, or having a heart attack. Panic attacks may be experienced as a symptom of other psychiatric disorders, for example PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). 

According to the DSM-5, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms:

• Derealization (feeling this is not real)

• Depersonalization (feeling detached from self)

• Fear of losing control

• Fear of dying

• Chest Pain

• Chills

• Excessive sweating

• Choking sensation

• Dizziness, lightheaded, or faint

• Racing heart

• Hot flashes

• Nausea

• Numbness or tingling

• Trembling or shaking

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

While sometimes there something that triggers a panic attack, they can also be sneaky + appear without any obvious trigger. Panic attacks are intense, but they’re typically short lived + usually peak within 10 minutes. It is important to note that at times panic attacks can occur back to back, which makes it difficult to figure out when one attack is ending and a new one begins. The aftermath of a panic attack is brutal, leaving a person feeling worried it might happen again, exhausted, and on edge.

BUT there is hope.

It’s important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional if you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks. Research has shown that women are twice as likely as men to experience symptoms of anxiety, and as a result the Women's Preventative Services Initiative suggests that females over the age of 13.4 are regularly screened for anxiety. Anxiety can have a significant impact on a person's life + still only around 20% of people who experience symptoms seek treatment. There are a variety of evidence based treatments available to support your wellness journey + allow you to live a more peaceful + fulfilling life.

Whether it’s panic, anxiety, or both, support is available. Talk therapy, medication management, and self-help tools are all great ways to treat or manage anxiety, and oftentimes people find it beneficial to explore multiple options.

• Talk therapy is a way to learn more about yourself and get a better understanding of your symptoms + how they impact you before learning tools + strategies to build emotional strength + cope. 

• Medication is an effective way to reduce symptoms, whether they are physical, cognitive, or both. (As a therapist, I often encourage people taking medication to also seek therapy, because the medication effectively reduces your symptoms allowing you to feel safe to ‘do the work’ in therapy to support your long term wellbeing. 

• Self-help tools include blogs (like this one), books, support groups, and more. If you’re not ready to take the step to seek professional support, this can be a great option. This is also great for those maintaining wellness. 

In summary, the key differences between panic + anxiety are their intensity + duration, or the length of time the symptoms occur. While they both have their own symptoms, they also share some commonalities as well. It’s important to seek support if you’re experiencing either or both of these. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to treat, or diagnose and medical conditions, nor is it a replacement for mental health or medical treatment. If you or someone you know is in need of clinical support, our team is able to provide therapy services to those in NJ and FL. Contact us to learn more. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support please contact emergency services. U.S. Mental health crisis line: dial 988 ; medical emergency dial 911

References: 

https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-attacks-versus-panic-attacks-2584396