Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks

What are the Differences Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks?

Although people often confuse panic attacks with anxiety attacks and use the terms interchangeably they are considered to be distinct by mental health professionals. While panic attacks are included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) known as the DSM-5, anxiety attacks are not. Some of the major differences between panic and anxiety are as follows:

Anxiety is usually focused on a future situation while panic is a fear reaction to what feels like imminent danger. Anxiety is typically accompanied by worry thoughts about the future, e.g. making serious mistakes in a job interview or receiving a diagnosis of terminal illness. Panic, on the other hand, is accompanied by thoughts about the immediate situation, e.g., “I’m going crazy,” or “I’m having a heart attack.”

Behaviors that stem from anxiety include avoiding situations or taking extra precautions while behaviors that occur during a panic attack have to do with escaping the present situation or finding immediate help.

Furthermore, while symptoms of panic are abrupt, intense, and last about 10-30 minutes, symptoms of anxiety are longer-lasting, occurring over days or months and are usually less intense and include muscle tension, restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbances and fatigue. It is possible for anxiety to build up to a more intense level that may feel like an “attack”, however, a true panic attack would also include other symptoms such as a preoccupation with an immediate rather than a future threat.

What are the Different Ways that Anxiety Can Show Up?

Since I have devoted a whole other blog post to the fundamentals of panic attacks I will use the space below to expand on the different ways that anxiety can show up.

Generalized Anxiety

One way that anxiety shows up is in the form of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). While everyone feels anxious from time to time, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that interferes with day-to-day activities is a sign of GAD. People who struggle with GAD are consumed by persistent worries about worst-case scenarios in a number of areas of life such as health, relationships, and work. They have a hard time dealing with uncertainty, have trouble concentrating and worry about making wrong decisions. GAD worries often get in the way of falling or staying asleep. Relationships suffer because GAD often comes with feeling fatigued, irritable, tense, and nervous. It is even possible to experience stomach distress such as nausea, diarrhea, or IBS.

Social Anxiety

Another way that anxiety often shows up is in the form of social anxiety disorder. While it's normal to sometimes feel anxious in social situations, if anxiety and avoidance of social situations is significantly disrupting quality of life it may be indicative of social anxiety disorder.

People who struggle with social anxiety feel nervous and uncomfortable in social situations because they worry about being judged. They dread and try to avoid situations such as meeting new people, attending parties or social gatherings, public speaking, being the center of attention, dating, going to work or school, talking on the phone, or doing things, such as eating, in front of others. They also have a hard time stating their opinions, making requests, or making eye contact. Social anxiety can cause a number of physical symptoms such as blushing, stomach upset, sweating, trembling, tension, dizziness and lightheadedness.

Phobia

People who are terrified of one or more specific objects or situations are struggling with a specific phobia. Phobias may fall into one or more categories, such as doctors, dentists, blood, needles, or medical procedures; confined spaces; insects or animals such as spiders or dogs; heights; driving; flying; vomiting or choking; natural phenomena such as thunderstorms; or fear of other things such as clowns. Although people with specific phobias are aware that their anxiety about these things is unjustified or exaggerated, they feel powerless to control it. Facing a phobia trigger can bring up uncomfortable physical sensations such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, or fainting at the sight of blood.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Can Help

If anxiety or panic is significantly interfering with your quality of life it can be very helpful to work with a clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on changing patterns of thinking (cognitions) and behaviors associated with anxiety. CBT is supported by research and considered to be the “gold standard” treatment for anxiety and panic. Research indicates that over 60% of those who undergo CBT experience a significant improvement in anxiety symptoms in 12 - 20 treatment sessions. The tools and skills learned during CBT last a lifetime.

Therapy at Compass CBT can help you reclaim your life from anxiety and panic so you can be more calm, confident and engaged in your life.