Am I Having a Panic Attack?

Although the terms “anxiety attack” and “panic attack” are often used interchangeably, there are those who view their differences as a matter of semantics. However, in terms of a clinical setting, each disorder is characterized by different features. A panic attack is considered to be the primary feature of panic disorder, as defined by the DSM-IV-TR. The term anxiety attack is not recognized by the DSM, rather, it is viewed as the definitive symptom of several diseases that fall under the umbrella term “anxiety disorders”. Other differences between the two conditions exist in the intensity and the duration of the symptoms that a patient endures. Educating one’s self about the differences between the two conditions will allow them to make informed decisions regarding their treatment.

When a panic attack occurs, the onset is sudden and severe. During most attacks, the symptoms peak within ten minutes of its onset, but the entire episode may last up to thirty minutes. In some rare instances, the attacks may occur in rapid succession, but it can be difficult to determine because the duration of each attack varies amongst individuals. According to the DSM, a panic attack is characterized by at least four symptoms from a list of thirteen. The most common symptoms on this list include heart palpitations, sweating or chills, trembling or shaking, an inability to breathe, or chest pain or discomfort. Primarily, a panic attack is characterized by feelings of sudden and intense fear.

On the other hand, the symptoms of an anxiety attack generally tend to intensify over a period of time, and the intensity of these symptoms are directly correlated to the amount of worry an individual has. Physically, the symptoms of an anxiety attack are rather similar to those of panic attacks. The most common symptoms of an anxiety attack include an inability to sleep, muscle tension, irritability, heart palpitations, and restlessness. While the symptoms of these two conditions may look indistinguishable from one another, the symptoms of an anxiety attack are generally less intense. Another distinction between the two conditions is that anxiety symptoms are persistent, and they may last for weeks or months. To treat panic attacks, most doctors will prescribe a combination of therapy and medication. To treat an anxiety attack, only medication will be used. Finally, anxiety attacks generally do not produce other medical conditions like panic attacks can, like agoraphobia or avoidance syndrome.

It has been estimated that more than three million Americans suffer from panic attacks and panic attack disorder. While the onset of this disease generally occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, there are many children who suffer from the disease as well. If the symptoms of this affliction are not recognized and treated, it can have numerous negative effects on a child. It could potentially affect how they interact with other children, their schoolwork, and their overall general development. In addition to increased levels of anxiety, they may begin to avoid certain places or social situations that might provoke the onset of an attack, similar to how adults would. Because of the fluctuating hormone levels of young children and those in early adolescence, they may also be placed at an increased risk of attempted suicide.

Unlike adults, the diagnosis of panic attack disorder in children can be particularly difficult to diagnose. It may require multiple visits to doctors and numerous medical tests, which may become expensive. Fortunately, when correctly diagnosed and treated, most children respond incredibly well to treatment. If a parent is concerned that panic attack disorder might be the root cause of their child’s problems, then they should request that an adolescent psychiatrist evaluate their child. The most common symptoms of panic attacks that are displayed by children include intense fearfulness, heart palpitations, an inability to breathe, and a sense of having an “out of body” experience.

There are several forms of treatment for children that are especially effective. Psychotherapy can teach a child to reduce stress or conflicts that can cause a panic attack. In cognitive behavioral therapy, a child is taught to identify and modify the negative thought patterns that occur during an attack. Often times, short-term medications are also given to a child. These medications alleviate the worst of the stress and the symptoms of panic attack disorder so that they can gain a firm grasp of the techniques they are taught during therapy. An encouraging fact is the one that most children “grow out of” their panic attacks over time. Regardless of the forms of treatment that are used, it is important to ensure that a child receives it in order to avoid the complications that can arise from panic attacks, like agoraphobia or substance abuse.