It’s more frequent than you think to be overwhelmed by unexpected anxiety or worry that won’t go away. In fact, every year, 19.1% of individuals in the U.S. have anxiety disorders, and 2.7% have panic disorder. It’s important to know the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack so you can seek the correct care, even if they are commonly mistaken. This post clears things up by breaking down definitions, causes, and comparisons.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden, severe feeling of fear or discomfort that becomes worse quickly and usually comes on without notice. The DSM-5 notes that these episodes are not the same as ordinary anxiety. They are happening more and more often, and they impact up to 11% of people in the U.S. every year. Between 2% and 7% of individuals are considered to have panic disorder, and women are more likely to have it than males. New research shows that there are more stress-related occurrences happening now that the pandemic is concluded.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Your body and mind get attacked by panic episodes. Most of the time, episodes last between 5 and 20 minutes; however, they can also range between 30 and 60 minutes. A 2025 study shows that wearable equipment can now detect early symptoms of health problems by checking heart rate. This gives people a chance to do something before anything horrible happens.
Physical Symptoms
- A fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Trembling, shaking, or sweating
- Chills or hot flashes
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Nausea or stomachache
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- A strong fear of dying, losing control, or “going crazy.”
- A feeling of being detached from reality (derealization) or from oneself (depersonalization)
Common Causes and Triggers
There are many different reasons why people have panic attacks, both biological and environmental. It’s very important for management to know what these risk factors are.
- Biological Factors: Genetics and family history play a crucial role, as do irregularities in brain chemistry, especially those affecting serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Stressors in the environment: Trauma, PTSD, and very stressful situations are all very similar. Caffeine and other stimulants may only be temporary causes.
- New Factors: Recent studies show that modern stresses, such as worries about the environment and bad childhood experiences, are very important.
What triggers panic attacks? There isn’t always a specific trigger; this is what makes it so unpredictable. People with phobias, on the other hand, may experience triggers that make their phobias worse. A lot of people panic because they are afraid of experiencing another panic attack.
One of the key indications of panic attacks is that episodes arise for no reason and without warning.
One of the new things is climate anxiety.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?1
An anxiety attack usually builds up over time, sometimes because of protracted periods of high stress or worry. The DSM-5 doesn’t officially use the phrase “anxiety attack,” but people often use it to talk about strong episodes that happen with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or other anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders currently impact about 19.1% of U.S. adults each year, with GAD affecting about 3% of adults.
Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
Panic attack symptoms go away faster than anxiety attack symptoms, which can be hard on the body and mind. They could last for hours, days, or even weeks.
Physical Symptoms:
- Muscle tension: You feel stiff or like you can’t relax.
- Restlessness: The feeling of being “keyed up” or on edge.
- Tiredness: Feeling more tired than usual or having trouble sleeping.
- Faster heart rate: A small increase in pulse, which is usually not as strong as heart palpitations.
- Trouble digesting: A dry mouth, feeling sick, or stomach aches.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms:
- Too much worry: Your thoughts keep coming back and bother you about what could happen.
- Irritability: Getting angry or upset easily.
- Hard time concentrating: Your mind goes blank, or you can’t focus.
- A feeling of impending doom: A vague sense that something bad is about to happen.
New Research and Triggers
New research has found new things that can set off panic attacks:
- Social Media: Teens who use it too much might feel worse because they are always comparing themselves to others and are afraid of missing out (FOMO).
- The Gut-Brain Connection: New studies show that the gut-brain axis may have an impact on mental health. This means that eating well and taking probiotics may help with anxiety.
Key Differences Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks
| Aspect | Panic Attack | Anxiety Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden, peaks in minute | Gradual; builds up over time |
| Duration | Short (5-30 minutes) | Longer (hours to days) |
| Intensity | Intense, overwhelming fear | Persistent worry, less acute |
| Triggers | Often unprovoked | Linked to stressors or thoughts |
| Physical Focus | Heart, breathing issues | Muscle tension, restlessness |
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks have some of the same symptoms, like extreme fear. However, panic attacks can often feel like heart attacks.
Treatment Options for Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Experts generally say that the best results come from using more than one type of therapy.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is still the best way to change negative thought patterns. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is great for generalized anxiety, while exposure therapy works very well for panic disorder.
- Medication: Always talk to a doctor first, but frequent prescriptions for long-term management are SSRIs (like sertraline or fluoxetine/Prozac) and benzodiazepines (like alprazolam/Xanax) for short-term relief.
- Changes to your lifestyle: Breathing apps, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help a lot with symptoms.
How to Manage a Panic Attack: Immediate Relief and Prevention
Having a panic attack can be scary, but knowing what to do can help you get back in control. Here are some things you can do right away to feel better and stay healthy for a long time.
How to Get Quick Relief
If you think you’re about to have a panic attack, try these things to relax:
• Accept how you feel: Remember that what you’re going through is simply transitory and not dangerous. It will leave.
• Take deep breaths: Pay attention to how your belly moves. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth to calm your nervous system.
• Slowly relax your muscles: To get rid of physical stress, tense up and then relax distinct groups of muscles.
• Try approaches for grounding: To stay grounded, pay attention to something close by or your senses.
• Stay present: Don’t give in to the urge to run away or fight it. Stay in the moment and remind yourself that the worry will pass.
Self-Help Strategies and Prevention
You can lessen how often and how bad your panic attacks are by doing these things every day:
- Track your triggers: Keep a journal to see patterns or specific things that make you anxious.
- Lifestyle adjustments: To lower your overall anxiety levels, cut back on caffeine, relax your muscles every day, and work out a lot.
- Build a support network: Make friends or coworkers you can trust.
- Practice gratitude: Being thankful every day might help you become more emotionally strong.
- Use technology: Consider using wearable devices that keep track of your body’s patterns to help you stop attacks before they get worse.
When to Seek Professional Help
If attacks interfere with your everyday life, make you think about killing yourself, or feel like other physical health problems (always rule out medical causes first), you should get expert help. Keep in mind that early care makes a big difference in the outcomes. We are here to help if you are ready. Make an appointment at Ark Medical of Las Vegas for one-on-one support.
Conclusion
Panic attacks happen suddenly and with a lot of terror, whereas anxiety attacks happen slowly and with a lot of worry. But both can be treated. You can find relief by recognizing your symptoms, using coping skills, and getting the right treatment. Knowing the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack gives you the power to get the correct help.
FAQs
Are panic attacks and anxiety attacks the same thing?
No, they differ in time or strength. Panic attacks come on suddenly and peak in dread in minutes, while anxiety attacks build up over time and endure for hours or days.
Is it possible for someone to have both panic and anxiety attacks?
Yes, it happens a lot. People with anxiety disorders often worry all the time, which can lead to anxiety episodes, and they can also have panic attacks that come out of nowhere.
