Anxiety Attacks Vs. Panic Attacks

Though they might be uncommonly similar, they are by no means interchangeable. The terms “Anxiety Attack” and “Panic Attack” have been mixed up for too long; therefore, this article will make its main mission to highlight the main distinctions between the two. Hopefully, the information presented might prove itself eye-opening and encourage more people to investigate more mental health issues.

What are Anxiety Attacks?

An Anxiety Attack “usually involves a fear of some specific occurrence or problem that could happen“ as stated by Medical News Today - a reliable medical website. Unlike Anxiety disorder, Anxiety attacks can’t be diagnosed; the symptoms may seem vague. Nonetheless, the most frequent symptoms are as follows:

• Shortness of breath

• Experiencing difficulty sleeping; restlessness

• Accelerated heart rate

• Dizziness

• Worry and distress

As mentioned before, anxiety attacks aren’t diagnosed; these are merely the general symptoms for anxiety attacks.

What are Panic Attacks?

Panic Attacks vary in symptoms, but those are the most common:

• Rapid heart rate

• Sweating

• Feeling dizzy or faint

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat (as in a choking sensation)

• Trembling or shaking

• Hot flashes (the sudden feeling of warmth around your upper body, most intense around the face, neck and chest. The skin reddens, as if blushing. It also may cause sweating.)

• Chills

• Numbness

• Feeling of dread or a fear of dying

Anxiety Attacks Vs Panic Attacks

Although Anxiety Attack symptoms can prevail for a long time, they vary in intensity going from mild to moderate to severe; furthermore, they gradually become more intense over time. Additionally, they can usually be expected, and even though Anxiety Attack symptoms often last longer than panic attack symptoms, the physical anxiety symptoms are considerably less intense. Panic Attacks can either be expected of unexpected, unexpected attacks have no obvious triggers or causes while expected attacks can be a result of a person being subjected to specific cues or triggers. Unlike Anxiety Attacks, Panic Attack symptoms are always disruptive and intense, causing the body’s fight or flight response to take over.

Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks have their similarities, but they are in no way, shape or form the same thing. With any luck, this article will turn out to be enlightening and helpful to anyone who wants to find out more about Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks.