Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks
As a learning lab and a practicum site for many counselling programs, we often discuss important mental health topics with our intern counsellors who provide low cost, affordable counselling to community members and to those who cannot afford the full fee of a registered clinical counsellor or a social worker. One of the topics, we were discussing the other day was the difference between and panic attacks and anxiety attacks and here are some of the snippets of our counversation and discussion:
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are terms often used interchangeably by many people, but they refer to distinct experiences with some differing characteristics and there is varied data and information floating around it in popular culture, thanks to the rise of Instagram generation (By the way check out our IG account if you havent already for many interesting tips, tricks and posts).
Here are the main differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks if you are seeking some clarity:
Intensity and Duration:
Panic Attacks: Panic attacks are intense and typically reach their peak within minutes. They involve a sudden and overwhelming surge of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom.
Anxiety Attacks: Anxiety attacks are less intense than panic attacks and can last for a more extended period. They may involve prolonged feelings of unease, worry, and fearfulness, accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
Trigger:
Panic Attacks: Panic attacks often occur without any apparent trigger. They can arise suddenly and unexpectedly, even during periods of relative calm.
Anxiety Attacks: Anxiety attacks are typically triggered by specific situations, events, or stressors that cause heightened anxiety and distress. These triggers could be social situations, phobias, or specific stress-inducing circumstances.
Focus of Apprehension:
Panic Attacks: During a panic attack, individuals often experience a strong sense of impending danger or a fear of losing control, going crazy, or having a heart attack. The focus of apprehension is usually on the immediate physical and emotional experience.
Anxiety Attacks: In anxiety attacks, the focus of apprehension is typically on specific concerns, worries, or future-oriented thoughts. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by general anxiety or a sense of impending doom related to their specific concerns.
Frequency:
Panic Attacks: Panic attacks are often sporadic and infrequent. Individuals may experience them periodically or even have long periods between episodes.
Anxiety Attacks: Anxiety attacks may occur more frequently and may be triggered by specific situations or stressors that consistently provoke anxiety.
Underlying Conditions:
Panic Attacks: Panic attacks are a hallmark symptom of panic disorder. They can also occur in other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or specific phobias.
Anxiety Attacks: Anxiety attacks are commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or other anxiety-related disorders, such as social anxiety disorder or specific phobias.
While panic attacks and anxiety attacks have distinguishing features, they share similarities, and individuals may experience a combination of symptoms. Think of anxiety attack as a severe storm and panic attack as a hurricane Katrina. Please know that we are here to help you. We provide appropriate treatment based on an individual's specific experiences and needs.
