Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack: What’s the Difference and What Does It Feel Like?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

While anxiety attacks and panic attacks share some similarities, they are distinct experiences with different triggers, symptoms, and durations. Understanding these differences is essential for effective treatment and management. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention.

Understanding the differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Both conditions involve intense feelings of fear and discomfort, but they have distinct characteristics and triggers. This article explores the differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, and what each feels like.

What is an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks are episodes of intense worry or fear that often build gradually. They are typically associated with a specific stressor or situation and can last for an extended period. Anxiety attacks are not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are commonly discussed in clinical practice.

Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

The symptoms of anxiety attacks can vary widely but often include:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

These symptoms are generally less intense than those of panic attacks and do not usually involve the sudden onset of fear.

What is a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. They are a key feature of Panic Disorder but can also occur in other anxiety disorders, such as Social Anxiety Disorder3 8. Panic attacks are characterized by a combination of physical and cognitive symptoms.

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

According to the DSM-5, a panic attack involves at least four of the following symptoms:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feeling of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
• Derealization or depersonalization
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Chills or hot flushes8

Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly and are often accompanied by a fear of future attacks, which can lead to avoidance behaviors and significant impairment in daily functioning.

Key Differences Between Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks

Onset and Duration

• Anxiety Attacks: Gradual onset, often related to a specific stressor, and can last for an extended period.
• Panic Attacks: Sudden onset, reaching peak intensity within minutes, and typically last for a shorter duration.

Intensity of Symptoms

• Anxiety Attacks: Generally involve milder symptoms that build over time.
• Panic Attacks: Involve intense physical and cognitive symptoms that occur abruptly.

Triggers

• Anxiety Attacks: Usually triggered by specific situations or stressors.
• Panic Attacks: Can occur unexpectedly and are not always linked to a specific trigger.

Emotional Response

• Anxiety Attacks: Characterized by ongoing worry and fear related to a specific situation.
• Panic Attacks: Characterized by sudden, overwhelming fear and a sense of impending doom2 5.

What Does It Feel Like?

Experiencing an Anxiety Attack

Individuals experiencing an anxiety attack often report feeling a sense of dread or apprehension. The physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and restlessness, can be persistent and interfere with daily activities. The emotional response is typically linked to a specific concern or stressor, making it easier to identify the cause of the anxiety.

Experiencing a Panic Attack

In contrast, a panic attack feels like a sudden wave of terror. The physical symptoms are intense and can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain, which often lead individuals to believe they are having a heart attack. The cognitive symptoms, such as fear of losing control or dying, can be overwhelming and debilitating1 4 6.