The Differences Between Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks
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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.




