Do you suffer from anxiety or panic? Do you have a close friend or family member that you know suffers with anxiety or panic? Do you wish you knew more about this attacks so that you can help those around you? Well I am going to briefly break down the differences between the two.
ANXIETY ATTACK
Varies in intensity
The person feels absorbed in their own anxious thoughts
There is a gradual build up of fear
This attack is in anticipation of an upcoming event
There is moderate physical symptoms such as shortness of breath
This type of attack is from the fear of losing control at the upcoming event or being burdensome with these extreme emotions
Anxiety attacks initiate safety, control and avoidance behaviors
These attacks can happen to anyone
PANIC ATTACK
Always intense
The person feels detached from the world or oneself
There is a SUDDEN and overwhelming fear
This attack is always unexpected and usually without cause
There is disruptive physical symptoms such as real heart palpitations
This type of attack is from fear of dying right now or losing control in that exact moment without being able to fix it or turn it off
Panic attacks immediately initiates the body’s fight-or-flight response
These attacks can happen to anyone
The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes panic attacks and categorizes them as expected or unexpected. Expected attacks are cued by external stressors such as phobias or previously experienced traumas. Unexpected attacks occur without obvious causes but can still have a random trigger.
On the other hand, anxiety attacks are not recognized by the DSM-5, but the DSM-5 does define anxiety as a common symptom and feature of a psychiatric disorder. Although this may seem negative that the DSM-5 doesn’t recognize it, but in fact it is positive. Why you may ask? Because the lack of a diagnostic recognition of anxiety attacks mean that the signs and symptoms that happen to each person in these attacks are open to interpretation. Everyone that has these legit anxiety attacks can all behave differently and still feel validated that the attack that they went through was still real to them.
Although I am only briefly describing the differences between the two types of attacks, I am in no way diagnosing individuals who may read my article. I am not a doctor, I am only a person that has experienced both these types of attacks… and I promise you that they are not fun at all. Plus, these are only a few tell tale differences between these attacks; not to say that there are other differences as well.
As you have read this article, please continue your education on how you can help yourself better or how you can help a friend and family member when they are experiencing one of these attacks. End the stigma of mental health and mental issues and love all those around you.
