Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack, What’s the Difference?

Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack Overview

Abrupt and intense feelings of terror accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid breathing, and a racing heart define panic attacks. Individuals experiencing these episodes might, over time, develop anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder.

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Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack Key Differences and Similarities

Symptoms of Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack Chart

Symptom	Panic Attack	Anxiety Attack
Intensity	Sudden and intense	Gradual and may build over time
Duration	Peaks quickly, often within minutes	May persist for a more extended period
Physical Symptoms	Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating	Muscle tension, fatigue, trembling, restlessness
Cognitive Symptoms	The feeling of impending doom, fear of losing control or dying	Excessive worry, fear of the future, overthinking
Triggers	Often without an apparent cause or triggered by unexpected situations	May be triggered by specific stressors or situations
Avoidance	Avoidance of places or situations associated with past panic attacks	May avoid certain situations but not to the same extent as panic attacks
Onset	Can occur suddenly and unpredictably	May develop gradually in response to ongoing stressors

Psychotherapy for Panic Attacks vs Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety and panic disorder therapies exist in a variety of forms and are frequently combined:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Helps you see things differently and cope with triggers, with support from a counselor.
• Cognitive Therapy: Targets and changes unhelpful thoughts linked to anxiety.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to fears helps you face and manage them.
• Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, imagery, and more, guided by your doctor.

Your doctor may suggest individual, group sessions, or a mix based on what works for you.

How to Help Panic and Anxiety Attacks with Medications?

Many of the non-addictive anti-anxiety medications are SSRIs or antidepressants.

Other most common anti-anxiety meds are:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan).
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft).
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., Effexor, Cymbalta).
• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol).
• Buspirone (BuSpar).
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine).
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., Nardil, Parnate).
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril).
• Gabapentin (Neurontin).
• Pregabalin (Lyrica).

Medication should only be taken under a licensed healthcare provider’s supervision. Never change your dose or self-prescribe without first seeing a doctor. Certain anti-anxiety drugs may interact with other medications or have unintended consequences, such as benzos being highly habit-forming. If you suffer adverse side effects, get help right away. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking specific drugs, and use caution when engaging in activities that call for attention since most anti-anxiety meds can cause drowsiness.

If you’re struggling with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, get resources about treatment counseling today. Start getting support with a free call to our mental health and addiction hotline.

How Can I Prevent Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits and stress-reducing strategies into your daily routine can significantly minimize the likelihood of experiencing anxiety episodes. Consider the following preventive measures:

• Regular exercise.
• Healthy diet.
• Adequate sleep.
• Stress management techniques.
• Deep breathing exercises.
• Mindfulness meditation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation.
• Limiting caffeine intake.
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Establishing a routine.
• Setting realistic goals.
• Seeking social support.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Identifying and challenging negative thoughts.
• Learning to say no and setting boundaries.
• Time management strategies.
• Regular breaks and self-care activities.
• Yoga or tai chi.
• Regular medical check-ups.
• Developing coping mechanisms.

If you’re seeking assistance with your rehab journey, reach out to a We Level Up Texas treatment professional today—your call is free and confidential.

We Level Up Texas Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center

The healthcare professionals at We Level Up Texas inpatient anxiety treatment and dual diagnosis rehab believe that addressing both the underlying issues and addiction together boosts the chances of successful, relapse-free recovery. Once we identify and start treating the mental health problems tied to alcohol or drug dependency, it brings individuals closer to long-term sobriety.

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