Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack
Anxiety is a general feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be mild or severe, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, fear, or trauma. Panic attacks are sudden and intense episodes of anxiety that can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks:
| Feature | Anxiety Attack | Panic Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Typically lasts for minutes or hours | Typically lasts for minutes |
| Severity | Can be mild or severe | Usually severe |
| Cause | Can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, fear, or trauma | Usually triggered by a specific event or situation |
| Symptoms | May include physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom; may also include emotional symptoms such as fear, worry, and a sense of dread | Same as anxiety attack symptoms, but more intense |
| Treatment | Usually involves therapy and/or medication | Usually involves therapy and/or medication; may also involve the use of rescue medications to stop a panic attack |
If you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you coping mechanisms to manage your anxiety, and a doctor can prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
- MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/