How Anxiety and Panic Attacks Differ

How Anxiety and Panic Attacks Differ Panic Disorder Symptoms Print Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks Differences include intensity and how long the attack lasts By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 10, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 24, 2019 More in Panic Disorder Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Clinical Differences Panic Attack Anxiety Treatment View All Back To Top You might hear the terms anxiety attack  and panic attack used interchangeably  as if they mean the same thing. In fact, panic and anxiety have different features, and behavioral health professionals use the terms for specific symptoms and disorders. Panic attacks are often associated with sudden fear and anxiety with high-stress levels or excessive worrying.?? Some of the symptoms are similar, including a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Each also has other symptoms that are unique.   Everyone can experience panic attacks and anxiety, they are part of the emotional and protective responses hardwired into the human body. Its when either occurs frequently that there is cause for concern. No matter which you experience, its important to understand their definitions, symptoms, and treatments. Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018.   Clinical Differences Professionals who treat mental health conditions base a diagnosis on definitions found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, known as the  DSM-5. Though anxiety and panic attacks may feel the same at times, the subtle differences outlined in this handbook help identify each. The DSM-5  uses the term panic attack to describe the hallmark features associated with the condition known as  panic disorder. However, panic attacks may occur in other psychiatric disorders and it is possible to have a panic attack if you have no disorder.?? The term “anxiety attack” is not defined in the DSM-5. Rather, anxiety is used to describe a core feature of several illnesses identified under the headings of  anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma- and stressor-related disorders.?? Some of the most common disorders under these three headings include: Panic  disorderAgoraphobia without history of panic disorderSpecific phobiaSocial anxiety disorderSeparation anxiety disorderObsessive-compulsive disorder  (OCD)Post-traumatic stress disorder  (PTSD)Generalized anxiety disorder  (GAD) The differences between panic and anxiety are best described in terms of the intensity of the symptoms and length of time the main symptoms occur. The in-depth definitions in the DSM-5 guide your health provider to make a diagnosis and classify your condition. Panic Attack A panic attack is an intense and sudden feeling of fear, terror, nervousness, or apprehension. The symptoms  are often so extreme that they cause a severe disruption in your day.?? Panic attacks  usually occur out of the blue without an obvious, immediate trigger. In some cases, they are expected because the fear is caused by a known stressor, such as a phobia. Panic attack symptoms peak within 10 minutes and then subside. However, some attacks may last longer or may occur in succession, making it difficult to determine when one attack ends and another begins. Following an attack, it is not unusual to feel stressed, worried, out-of-sorts, or keyed up for the remainder of the day. According to the DSM-5, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms???: Mental Feelings of unreality (derealization) Feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization) Fear of losing control or going crazy Fear of dying Physical Heart palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate Excessive sweating Trembling or shaking Sensations of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Feeling of choking Chest pain Nausea or abdominal distress Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias) Chills Hot flashes Anxiety In contrast, anxiety generally intensifies over a period of time and is highly correlated with excessive worry about some potential dangerâ€"whether real or perceived.?? If the anticipation of something builds up and the high amount of stress reaches a level where it becomes overwhelming, it may feel like an attack. The symptoms of anxiety may include: Mental Difficulty concentrating Irritability Restlessness Physical Fatigue Muscle Tension Disturbed sleep Increased startle response Increased heart rate Dizziness While some of the symptoms of anxiety are similar to those associated with panic attacks, they are generally less intense. Unlike a panic attack, the symptoms of anxiety may be persistent and very long-lastingâ€"days, weeks, or even months. Treatment Whether you’re dealing with panic, persistent anxiety, or both, effective treatment is available. Some of the most common treatment options include therapy, prescription medications, and self-help strategies.?? You may decide to try one or any combination of these methods. Therapy can help you develop ways to manage your symptoms, work through past pain, determine your path for the future, and gain a clearer perspective that will allow for a more positive outlook.Medications can assist you in reducing the most severe symptoms. They may only be needed for a short period of time to control symptoms while you work on the other strategies.Self-help techniques, such as breathing exercises and desensitization, can be beneficial in allowing you to work through symptom management at your own pace. The Best Online Anxiety Therapy A Word From Verywell Anxiety and panic attacks can disrupt your everyday life. Whether you experience them or you want to understand what a friend or loved one goes through, know that help is available. Talking to your doctor about your symptoms and how often they occur is the first step to finding relief. What Are The Physical Symptoms of Panic and Anxiety Disorders?