Have you ever had a distressing situation happen that caused you to have physical symptoms? Perhaps you even wondered if this is what anxiety feels like, or if you experienced a panic attack. Did you even know there is a difference between the two? Although anxiety and panic attacks can sometimes go together and cause similar symptoms, they do have their differences. Both of these conditions are often misunderstood and undiagnosed. It’s important to acknowledge what you or a loved one may be feeling if you suspect these attacks are happening. Here’s what you need to know about anxiety and panic attacks so you can be well-informed.
What’s The Difference Between An Anxiety Attack And A Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers physical reactions, often unexpectedly. There may or may not be any real danger or apparent cause that triggered the response. Panic attacks can be frightening, especially because of how suddenly they occur. You might even think you are having a heart attack or dying.
Physical symptoms you might experience during a panic attack are rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, stomach pain, nausea, and more. Although the intense fear may leave within an hour, the physical symptoms may take longer to resolve.
An anxiety attack, on the other hand, is similar to a panic attack except that the symptoms are generally less intense and last longer. Certain stressors that trigger an anxiety attack may build up gradually, whereas a panic attack typically happens very suddenly. You may experience similar physical symptoms such as a racing heart, a knotted feeling in your stomach, and even gastrointestinal upset. Some people experience headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, and more.
Panic Attacks And Panic Disorder
Many people have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, but they typically go away quickly, such as when the stressful trigger ends. But if you’ve had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks for a longer period, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Your healthcare provider will need to ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may run some medical tests to rule out other health issues that cause similar symptoms, such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, and respiratory issues. If there are no underlying physical conditions, your healthcare provider may consider panic disorder as a possible diagnosis.
Panic attacks can be difficult to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment. Those who have panic disorder may be at a greater risk of suicidal ideation. It can also impact your quality of life if you continue to experience a lot of fear around the possibility of more panic attacks. The good news is that with treatment, most people get better.
Anxiety Attacks And Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety at times. You may feel nervous and anxious during a job interview, taking a test, or times of uncertainty and life changes. However, if you experience anxiety that interferes with your daily activities, feel constantly overwhelmed and unable to function, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety attacks are usually associated with people who become diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is a mental health condition that causes fear, worry, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. GAD is one of several anxiety disorders, which may include other psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depression, and specific phobias.
The exact cause of GAD is unknown, however, it’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, biological, and environmental factors. You are more likely to be diagnosed with GAD if you have a first-degree biological relative (parent or sibling) with it. Seeking treatment right away can help lessen the disruption to your daily life. In some cases, GAD may be long-term or chronic, but most people experience improvement in their symptoms with medication and talk therapy.
How To Get The Care You Need
If you or a loved one are experiencing frequent panic attacks or anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor right away to rule out any other medical issues. Seek a mental health provider to evaluate and recommend the right treatment to help manage your symptoms of panic or anxiety disorders.
Mental health providers most often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy that works well in treating GAD. There are a variety of medications and techniques that may help you manage your symptoms and get you feeling like yourself again.
Find the support and compassionate care you deserve with Becoming Behavioral Health & Wellness. We offer convenient online counseling appointments so you can talk to a mental health specialist from the comfort of your own home. We use an integrative approach to treatment that includes CBT, as well as plant-based supplements, herbs, and essential oils alongside or instead of psychotropic medications. To learn more, check out our website and schedule a call today!
