It's normal to sweat occasionally when you're stressed or anxious. But symptoms like a racing heart, chills, and shaking can be a sign of something more serious, like a panic attack. Or anxiety? How do you tell the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?
ContentHow do you tell the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?
How do you tell the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack: is there a difference?
How do you tell the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack: symptomsTreatment of anxiety attacks and panic attacksHow to stop a panic attack
These terms are often used interchangeably. But there are some notable differences that can be helpful for accuracy, clarity, and proper mental health care. WomanEL can help you tell the difference.
How to distinguish an anxiety attack from a panic attack: is there a difference?
According to Amanda Spray, MD, anxiety attacks are something we see a lot of in the media and pop culture. One of the main differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is that while panic attacks are included in the DSM-5 (what mental health professionals use to diagnose illnesses), anxiety attacks are not.
That doesn’t make anxiety any less legitimate. It just means that anxiety attacks aren’t technically diagnosable. Dr. Vanya Manipod, MD, adds that many of her patients use the term “anxiety attack” interchangeably with the term “panic attack.” But anxiety attacks are often not as severe.
Dr. Manipod says that anxiety attacks usually dissipate and don’t interfere with your life; she calls them “almost panic attacks.”
How to distinguish an anxiety attack from a panic attack: symptoms
Experts agree that a panic attack often has no trigger. And therefore, as a rule, you do not notice its approach. A panic attack can feel like a sudden rush of physical sensations that people describe as coming out of nowhere.
A panic attack is described as a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within a few minutes. Below is a list of symptoms of panic attacks. Note that four or more of the following symptoms are required for an official diagnosis:
- Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Feeling cold even when you are not cold.
- Shocks or trembling.
- Sweating or feeling hot.
- Feeling suffocated.
- Fear of losing control or dying.
- Nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, or faint.
- Paresthesias (numbness or tingling).
- Derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (detachment from oneself).
Symptoms of anxiety can become more pronounced within a few minutes or hours. They are usually less intense than panic attacks:
- Nervousness.
- irritability.
- rapid heartbeat.< /li>
- rapid breathing.
- shaking.
- sweating.
- sense of impending danger.
- difficulty concentrating.
- sleep disturbances.
Anxiety symptoms often last longer than panic attack symptoms. They can persist for days, weeks, or months.
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Treatment of anxiety and panic attacks
While the exact treatment depends on the individual, Dr. Manipod says that medication is pretty much the same for both anxiety and panic attacks. For most anxiety disorders, psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressants. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, is also used to help people cope with anxious thoughts.
With panic disorder, patients may be prescribed medication for emergency situations (when coping mechanisms don't work). Because of the risk of developing tolerance, Dr. Manipod prefers that patients use these medications only in emergency situations.
She adds that some people “have very severe panic disorders, where they are constantly in a state of panic, and they take them more often and more regularly.”
Talk to your doctor for the best personalized medical advice.
How to Stop a Panic Attack
Now that you know the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack, here are some expert-approved tips to help you stay on track:
- Recognize an attack. When you feel short of breath or your heart racing, try to remember that an attack is coming on that doesn’t mean you’re going to lose control. Realizing this can help you manage any physical symptoms. You can even repeat to yourself, “I’m going to be okay” or “I’m not going to die from this.”
- Take deep breaths. If you feel like you’re suffocating but you can’t control your breathing, it can make your physical symptoms worse and lead to a panic attack. Both mental health professionals recommend calming breathwork. One example of this type of breathing is paced breathing, where the exhale is longer than the inhale.
- Find support. If you’re feeling upset and want to talk to a mental health professional, be sure to do so. Dr. Spray and Dr. Manipod agree that psychotherapy can help people who suffer from panic attacks.
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