Those who struggle with panic or anxiety disorders are very familiar with the toll these conditions can take. Both panic and anxiety can isolate you from loved ones, cause significant emotional distress, and make daily tasks a constant battle. Panic and anxiety attacks only add to the mental health cost of these conditions. Fortunately, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and other anxiety symptoms are all treatable through an anxiety treatment program.
Anxiety treatment at a panic and anxiety center could be your first step into a wider world of recovery and healthy living. If you live in Georgia and struggle with panic or anxiety, the Atlanta Center for Mental Health can help. Read below or call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 to learn more about panic and anxiety attacks.
Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks
Oftentimes, the terms panic attack and anxiety attack are used interchangeably. However, the two conditions come with a set of distinct and relevant indicators that set them apart. Crucially, the term panic attack is a recognized medical condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V). Panic attacks describe the hallmark condition of a panic disorder: a sudden, intense, and unexpected episode of fear and panic accompanied by severe physical symptoms.
Meanwhile, anxiety attacks are not specifically mentioned in the DSM-V, but this does not mean they do not exist. Rather, an anxiety attack is a colloquial term that has come to describe heightened periods of anxiety, usually as a result of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or PTSD.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
According to the DSM-V, panic attacks are characterized by at least three of the following symptoms:
- Feelings of unreality (derealization)
- Feeling detachment
- A feeling of loss of control
- Fear of dying
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling and shaking
- Dizziness
- Short and shallow breathing
- Chest pain
- Nausea
Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
Anxiety generally builds up over time, so it will likely be less immediately noticeable than a panic attack. Eventually, anxiety may build past normal levels to a point where it feels overwhelming. The symptoms of such an anxiety attack can include:
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Jumpiness
- Paranoia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
The Differences Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack
Though they are used interchangeably in casual settings, it can be helpful to understand the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack to accurately describe your symptoms in clinical settings. Some of the differences between the two conditions include:
- Panic attacks can occur seemingly out of nowhere and without a trigger, while anxiety usually arises in response to a defined stressor.
- Panic attacks are more physically intense and disruptive, whereas anxiety attacks range from mild to pronounced bouts of anxiety.
- Panic attacks usually involve a feeling of detachment from reality that is not generally present in anxiety attacks.
- Panic attacks happen suddenly and peak quickly, while anxiety attacks can last for hours or even days at a time and slowly gain intensity.
While the two conditions are separate and distinct, they can sometimes be related. For example, many people who deal with a panic disorder may also have other anxiety disorders, and an anxiety attack can sometimes be a prelude to a panic attack. Additionally, panic attacks may be a symptom of other mental health conditions, such as phobias or PTSD.
The Panic and Anxiety Center at Atlanta Center for Mental Health Can Provide Relief
Panic and anxiety can both be debilitating conditions. They can significantly disrupt your daily life and make even simple tasks a challenge. At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we have the experience necessary to treat panic and anxiety disorders and set you on the path to recovery. If you or a loved one need treatment for your panic or anxiety attacks, call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 or fill out our online contact form today.
