While the terms anxiety attack and panic attack are often used interchangeably, they are different. They do share some symptoms which may be why many people confuse the two. These are disruptive disorders that must be diagnosed and properly managed. Sometimes, an entire lifestyle overhaul is necessary to learn and maintain adequate coping skills.
It can take a trained medical professional, like a psychologist, to differentiate between the two disorders. Even a trained behavior therapist can diagnose and differentiate between an anxiety vs panic attack. Unfortunately, it can be nearly impossible for the person suffering through the disorder to tell the difference, even though they are experiencing symptoms.
The symptoms can be stressful and unsettling but learning about them can help you understand the difference between an anxiety vs panic attack. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s an anxiety attack?
There are multiple types of anxiety disorders that people are diagnosed with today. When someone has an anxiety disorder, the anxiety is usually present throughout the day. Certain situations can cause the anxiety to worsen for a time, triggering an anxiety attack. A person’s normal emotional traits may be easily overshadowed by an anxiety attack, while the anxiety itself is longstanding and does not dissipate over time.
Anxiety attacks typically do not happen suddenly as people can feel them building up over time. People suffering from an anxiety attack also typically exhibit physical symptoms as well. Hot flashes, sweating, and stomach problems are common. Those who suffer from anxiety attacks tend to worry excessively and consider the potential dangers in every situation.
What’s a panic attack?
A panic attack is more episodic in nature because it is not typically present throughout the day. A panic attack happens suddenly and resembles a sudden surge of extreme fear accompanied by physical discomfort. Symptoms may include nausea, perspiration, and even disrupted speech. After the initial onset, a panic attack will typically peak within several minutes and dissipate within a few hours.
Panic attacks may occur in different intensities and people may suffer more than a single panic attack in a day. People who struggle with phobias or psychosis are at greater risk of also suffering from panic attacks. Panic attacks are more common in people who struggle to navigate daily social interactions.
Causes of Anxiety vs. Panic Attack
There is no singular cause of these two disorders. Genetic factors, lifestyles, and environmental influences may impact a person’s predisposition to anxiety or panic attacks. Substance abuse disorder may also make people more prone to these types of attacks. People who suffer from substance abuse disorder may have trouble using medications to relieve symptoms of these attacks.
Dealing with Anxiety and Panic Attacks
While many of the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks mimic each other, these are two separate disorders. They have different root causes and many of the symptoms are also different. People use the terms interchangeably, but they are completely separate. Understanding the difference in symptoms between anxiety vs panic attack can help you differentiate between the disorders, but it usually takes a trained professional, such as a psychologist or a behavioral therapist. Drug abuse can bring on temporary symptoms and make it more difficult to manage attacks. If you think you may suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, get help from a trained professional who can teach you coping skills and help you regain control of your life.
Click Here – Is the MSI Gaming GS63 a Good Gaming Laptop?