Understanding the main difference between an anxiety attack and panic attack can help individuals navigate their mental health journey more effectively. While both may cause intense feelings of fear or discomfort, they have distinct characteristics. Anxiety attacks typically arise from stressors or triggers and build gradually, whereas panic attacks often occur suddenly and unpredictably, accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and shortness of breath. This blog will help you recognise the nuances between the two so you can seek appropriate support and coping strategies to manage symptoms.
Difference between anxiety attack and panic attack
Many people find it hard to differentiate between anxiety and panic attacks due to their similar symptoms. Here are important points that will help you distinguish between an anxiety attack vs panic attack based on their features:
1. Causes
- Anxiety attacks: These occur after prolonged worry, with symptoms gradually building over minutes or hours. Typically, less intense than panic attacks.
- Panic attacks: These occur suddenly, without warning, and cause temporary but intense feelings of fear. The strong physical reaction stems from responses to short-term, non-threatening situations.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of anxiety attacks mainly include:
- Difficulty in concentration
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Rapid breathing
- Faster heart rate
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling
- The feeling of impending danger
A person experiences a racing heart, sweats a lot, and has difficulty breathing. Also, the common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Trembling or shaking.
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling at the fingers or toes.
3. Duration of the attacks
An anxiety attack happens after an intense period of worry or stress and lasts longer compared to a panic attack. Depending on an individual, the episode can even last for days, weeks, or months.
A panic attack happens suddenly, with the symptoms climaxing within 10 minutes. The attack usually lasts between 5-20 minutes. However, some people report having episodes that last up to even an hour.
Also, some incidents of panic attacks happen in a row. This makes the attacks appear to last much longer. After such events, the victims often feel stressed and unusually troubled for most parts of their day.
4. Trigger points
The triggers of anxiety attacks are mostly due to traumatic events such as the following:
- Physical or emotional abuses
- Neglect by parents or close family members
- Losing a loved one
- Being socially excluded or bullied
- Using some drugs or medications such as antidepressants
The triggers of panic attacks are mostly due to general life experiences. Such events may include:
- Experiencing sudden change or uncertainty in one's life
- Extreme exhaustion
- Feeling under too much pressure, for instance, at the workplace
- Unemployment
- Financial strains
- Marital issues
- Constant worry about environmental or natural disasters (eco-anxiety)
- Feelings of loneliness
Most people tend to interchange the terms anxiety and panic attacks. However, the two are quite different. To prevent either, seeking help from a healthcare provider to identify triggers is essential. This enables you to learn effective management strategies and gain control. It's also crucial to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to alleviate treatment costs and ease financial burdens. Prioritising your mental and physical well-being ensures a proactive approach to managing anxiety and panic attacks.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.