In 2023, an alarming 32.3% of adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, underscoring the prevalence of mental health issues. Meanwhile, panic disorder impacts about 2.7% of adults in the US annually, with a lifetime occurrence rate of 4.7%.
These statistics highlight the critical need for understanding and distinguishing between anxiety attacks and panic attacks. While they share some similarities, their causes, symptoms, and management strategies can differ significantly. This distinction is crucial for those affected and those supporting them.
In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, providing you with the knowledge to better identify and manage these conditions.
What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is characterized by a sudden onset of extreme anxiety that manifests physically as a terror response. Although panic episodes may only last a few minutes to half an hour, the mental and physical toll they take can linger for hours.
Anxieties about losing control, going insane, or dying are among the most prevalent symptoms of panic attacks, along with derealization and disconnection from one's own identity.
Physical symptoms can also manifest, including but not limited to chills, chest discomfort, vertigo, palpitations, shaking, trouble breathing, and so on.
Possible Triggers
There are no obvious outside factors that might cause unexpected panic episodes. Even in situations when there is no clear physical danger, the body might nonetheless react with a panic attack.
But there are situations when they are "expected"—like a phobia—because the dread is based on a recognized stressor. Pressures can also trigger some.
Risk Factors
People who already suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, may find that they are more likely to develop panic attacks. It can also strike those who already have serious health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. Furthermore, panic attacks might be experienced by those who have been through terrible experiences. Additionally, you could be more susceptible to panic attacks if they run in your family.
What is an Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attacks are characterized by periods of extreme dread or worry. Though not officially recognized as a mental health diagnosis, anxiety attack is a hallmark of anxiety disorders like phobias, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as a common symptom of many other mental health conditions.
Among the signs of an anxiety attack are feelings of unease, palpitations, racing thoughts, shallow breathing, trouble focusing, restlessness, etc. Anxiety symptoms tend to linger for a longer period compared to panic attack symptoms. Sometimes they last for months, sometimes for weeks.
Possible Triggers
Certain pessimistic ideas or outlooks might set up anxieties. Caffeine, sleep deprivation, stress, or any other factor that brings up unpleasant memories of a horrifying experience might potentially set it off. Anxiety attacks can also be triggered by excessive worrying about things like one's financial situation, tasks at work or school, social behavior, or family issues.
Risk Factors
Anxiety episodes and panic attacks are nearly identical in risk. Anxiety attacks can be triggered by a number of factors, such as exposure to traumatic events during childhood or adolescence, the loss of a loved one or other sad event, substance abuse, mental illness, or the presence of a close relative who also suffers from anxiety.
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