The Difference Between A Panic Attack Vs Anxiety Attack

Experiencing a panic attack and anxiety attack are often used interchangeably, while they have similar symptoms, the characterization differs. The differences can be the way they are treated and specifically what coping skills would be best equipped, that is why learning to identify them is essential. 

A panic attack is the sudden rush of negative feelings, often anxiety, that causes the body to experience physical symptoms. The symptoms may include trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, access shaking and more. A panic attack is usually brief and can leave as quickly as it came. The state of panic can be triggered by a stressful cause or simply appear randomly. They won’t last more than a few minutes but may be more frequent. Panic attacks are pretty common, but are mostly experienced by those struggling with other mental health conditions. 

The treatment for a panic attack is managing them while they are happening. The grounding method is often used to treat panic attacks. The practice involves shocking the body into becoming more aware and noting that it’s not in danger. Using any of the five senses can be beneficial, specifically identifying things you can see, feel, touch, taste and smell. Other coping skills include seeking out other objects like cold water, ice, gum or even lemon to reduce panic attack symptoms. Applying cold objects to the wrists, face and neck can help ground the body until the attack passes. 

While anxiety often presents the same symptoms as a panic attack, anxiety symptoms tend to be less severe, but last for longer. An anxiety attack is the body's response to a specific stress-inducing situation, this may cause one to be tense, unfocused or irritable. The built-up feeling of irrational fear or worry is often the cause of an anxiety attack. Unlike a panic attack, anxiety attacks develop due to access anxiety over time. The cause can include anything from family trouble, work issues, big changes, unresolved trauma and much more. 

They are often associated together because increased anxiety can lead to panic and panic is a recognized symptom of an anxiety disorder. The treatment for anxiety is often for the root of the problem itself, but there are coping skills to use during an attack that can be beneficial. The coping skills can include any used for a panic attack; the most effective is the “5-4-3-2-1” method. Other coping skills include moving your body and a change of scenery, maybe in nature. Journaling and mediation have been proven effective in finding a state of calm during an anxiety attack. Simply finding an activity to distract yourself can help the feeling dissolve; try watching something comforting, doing a hobby or listening to music. Unfortunately, there is no one-step cure for a panic attack or anxiety attack, but hopefully having the skills to cope with both will help relieve the impact.