Panic attack vs anxiety attack: Where the difference lies?

 "I've survived this before; I'll survive now."

Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks

The terms anxiety attack and panic attack are often used interchangeably, but they are distinctly different experiences. Their confusion arises because they share overlapping symptoms, yet their causes, intensity, and duration vary significantly.

A panic attack is characterized by a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort, typically accompanied by a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Panic attacks are episodic in nature, often peaking within minutes or, in some cases, lasting up to an hour.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a natural emotional and protective response inherent to the human body. It becomes problematic when it is persistent, overwhelming, and disrupts daily life, at which point it is diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. Although episodes of severe anxiety can feel like an "attack," the term anxiety attack is not a formally recognized diagnosis in medical literature.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), anxiety and panic attacks can feel quite similar. However, there are key differences that can help you tell them apart:

Panic Attack

• Sudden
• Lasts for minutes
• Shaking or trembling
• Chest pain
• Sense of detachment

Anxiety

• Gradually builds
• Can last for months
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Panic attacks are often associated with panic disorder, but they can occur independently or alongside other psychiatric conditions. It's possible to experience a panic attack without having an underlying disorder.

Key features distinguishing panic attacks include:

• A sense of alienation from the world (derealization)
• Feeling separated from oneself (depersonalization)
• An overwhelming fear of death or loss of control

In contrast, anxiety typically involves ongoing worry, tension, and apprehension, without the sudden and extreme detachment or fear characteristic of panic attacks.

Common disorders where anxiety or panic symptoms may appear include:

• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia (without history of panic disorder)
• Specific Phobias
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety Disorders in India as Depicted in History

Mental health struggles are not new. References to anxiety-like symptoms are found in ancient Indian literature. In the Ramayana (circa 5000 BC), the character Marrich exhibits signs of hyperarousal, re-experiencing traumatic events, and avoidance behaviors - traits now recognized as symptoms of PTSD. Similarly, in Shrimad Bhagavatam (around 400 BC) by Maharshi Ved Vyasa, King Kansha is described as suffering from what today would be identified as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), experiencing persistent worry, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances after being threatened by Lord Krishna.

A word for you all

If you or someone you know is experiencing frequent symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, it’s important to seek help. Consulting a qualified healthcare provider can lead to effective treatment and better coping strategies.

If you notice a loved one struggling, reach out. They may hesitate to seek help out of fear or stigma, but your support can make all the difference. Persistence in checking on them - not just once, but consistently, might be the key to saving their mental well-being before it’s too late.

-pooja singh