Updated on 4/13/2022 Show
Understanding the differences when it comes to a panic attack vs anxiety attack can feel confusing since so many of the symptoms are very similar. But the truth is, these are two different conditions, and there are a few key things to know about the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks that can help you determine which you might be having. The primary difference between frequent panic attacks and anxiety attacks is that a panic attack generally comes on very suddenly. It’s also typically over quickly, too. An anxiety attack, however, tends to build up for a while, and it’ll most often last for a significantly longer period of time than a panic attack might. While there are many similarities between these two common experiences — including that both will result in extreme, sometimes overwhelming feelings and emotions — there really are a number of other differences, too. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at anxiety vs. panic attacks. Key Differences Between Anxiety and Panic What is the difference between anxiety and panic attacks? There are clinical differences between these two disorders that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5) identifies. We listed some of the most common below. AppearanceOne of the main differences between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack is how they appear. An anxiety attack will start out gradually, building up over time. But a panic attack is usually more spontaneous, sometimes going from 0 to 10 in an instant. If someone isn’t familiar with panic attack symptoms, they might be
challenging to recognize. In fact, many people think they’re experiencing a heart attack when a panic attack comes on. OnsetThe onset of both conditions can be a determining factor on which you might be experiencing. As noted, extreme anxiety attacks are slow to come on, and most people have multiple additional symptoms before any actual attack begins. There is also typically a specific cause or situation that sparks an anxiety attack. Panic attacks will appear more spontaneously and suddenly. There often won’t be a slow build-up that results in the attack. Instead, they seem to come out of nowhere, so it can be difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. We should point out, despite the fact that this is how panic attacks present to most people, some studies show there actually are some precursors, including significant changes in heart rate and respiratory functions. SymptomsThere are several physical symptoms that are quite similar between the two conditions. But there are also some core differences. For example, levels of intensity can vary. And because chronic anxiety attacks usually result after a build-up, there are often more symptoms than a panic attack — which seemingly comes out of nowhere — may show. DurationAnxiety and panic attacks can have different duration periods. Chronic anxiety attacks tend to last a lot longer, and because of the gradual onset of symptoms, for the person experiencing it, they can feel like they’re going on forever. Panic attacks start and end quickly. The average panic attack lasts only about 10 minutes. Most, if not all, symptoms typically disappear as soon as the attack itself ends. TriggersTriggers are yet one more difference between frequent panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Triggers for anxiety attacks are most often situational. For example, if you have a fear of closed spaces, being trapped in a car wash or elevator may bring on an anxiety attack. Ultimately, anxiety attack triggers really just depend on what causes someone’s anxiety. As a general rule, it’s difficult to say what might trigger a panic attack. The fact that they start so suddenly makes it difficult to say what causes them. What Are Anxiety Attacks?“Anxiety attack” is not an official clinical term. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-5], a book the vast majority of mental health professionals abide by, does not list it. Instead, the term “anxiety attack” is a colloquial phrase coined by people who have anxiety. The term anxiety attack is used to describe intense or extended periods of anxiety. An attack is more overwhelming and intense than just “having“ anxiety. But it’s not as severe as a panic attack. According to her book Stop Anxiety from Stopping You, Dr. Helen Odessky notes that the term anxiety attack became more common because people started feeling like anxiety was interrupting their life. As more and more clients began using it in therapy, mental health professionals began forming a more detailed definition. Still, while the distinction between anxiety vs. panic attacks has become clearer over time, there isn’t yet an official definition for an anxiety attack. Common Causes & Risk FactorsThere isn’t one exact known cause of anxiety attacks. However, it is thought that a number of factors likely play a role in why someone might have an anxiety attack. These can include a response to a perceived threat, an anxiety disorder, or a response to a specific situation. Perceived threatsSome people will experience anxiety as the result of an unknown threat. Think: walking alone on a dark street at night and feeling nervous or anxious. Having an anxiety attack in this situation would not be due to a specific danger, but rather the possibility of something bad happening. Although perceived threats can bring on an anxiety attack, they can actually also be a very normal, and sometimes even helpful, response to a potentially bad situation. Anxiety disorders
Specific situationsOccasionally, someone may experience an anxiety attack from what begins as just a typical response to a stressful situation. The anxiety level may increase beyond just the “normal” reaction, resulting in an anxiety attack. Some of these instances could include:
Other risk factorsThere are some additional risk factors that might come into play if you have severe anxiety attacks. Chronic stress or traumatic events can result in frequent attacks. Genetics is another risk factor to be aware of. And, excessive substance abuse, caffeine consumption, or even certain medications can all bring on excessive anxiety as well. What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like?There are both mental and physical symptoms to an anxiety attack. Mental symptomsMental symptoms of an anxiety attack can include:
Physical symptomsPhysical symptoms of an anxiety attack can include:
What is a Panic Attack?Panic attacks are easier to define because we have clinical consensus on the definition. The official definition, according to the DSM is “A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.” Common Causes & Risk FactorsPanic attacks can be triggered by similar things that anxiety attacks are. Stress, social situations, phobias, or even driving can all trigger a panic attack. Panic disorders can also result in an attack as well. Panic disorderRepeatedly experiencing panic attacks can be a symptom of panic disorder. If you think you have a panic disorder, consider working with a mental health professional to alleviate some of the burdens. Seeing a therapist, whether in-person, or online, can be a good way for you to learn how to process and manage your anxiety. Certain traumatic events can eventually cause panic disorder. Some people have developed it after witnessing sudden or graphic deaths. Witnessing an unexpected death can be so traumatic, it can make people feel like they might die in a moment, at any time, causing a panic attack. Risk factorsRisk factors of panic attacks are very similar to those of anxiety attacks. They can include:
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?The main difference between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack can be seen when looking at the mental and physical symptoms of a panic attack. Mental symptomsMental symptoms of a panic attack can include:
Physical symptomsPhysical symptoms of a panic attack are the same as what you may experience during an anxiety attack. They can include:
How to Calm Anxiety or Panic AttacksThere are a number of ways you can face anxiety or panic attacks. There are many holistic things you can do to help calm yourself down, like simple lifestyle changes, for example. Experts have many other coping techniques they can share with you too. Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSW-C, CMHIMP, EMDR, has some great ideas. You can calm anxiety or panic attacks by learning to recognize the symptoms and practicing the following:
Keep in mind that there is hope; a professional can treat both issues. Remind yourself about this when you want to feel calm. An anxiety or panic attack may also be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or anti-anxiety medication. A panic attack can also be treated with CBT or with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants. Staying informed and looking for help when you need it can create a sense of calmness and help you experience less anxiety or panic attacks in the future. You may get them, but knowing the differences between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack is the first step in being able to deal with them. You don’t have to let anxiety get the best of you — there is help available.
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source. Talkspace mental health services
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Whats the difference between an anxiety and panic attack
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