Panic attack vs. anxiety attack: Understanding the differences

Key Takeaways

People often use the terms “anxiety attack” and “panic attack” interchangeably. And while these experiences share some of the same symptoms, there are some important clinical differences between them.

Anxiety attacks are not an official diagnosis. People use the term to refer to a period of intense worry brought on by an accumulation of stress.

A panic attack is a symptom of a mental health condition called panic disorder. Unlike anxiety attacks, panic attacks can happen without warning, seemingly out of nowhere.

You’ve probably heard the terms “panic attack” and “anxiety attack” used to describe episodes of destabilization brought on by extreme worry or distress. But while we tend to use these terms somewhat interchangeably in everyday conversation, there are some important clinical distinctions between them.

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks share some deeply uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. But they vary in what causes them, how long they last, and how they’re treated. So if you’re living with intense worry, understanding the differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks can help you find the right support.

Understanding anxiety attacks

Everyone experiences periods of worry or anxiety from time to time. This can stem from all sorts of scenarios, from public speaking to overwhelm at work to relationship conflict. Typically, these anxious feelings will subside in time with a bit of self-care.

But sometimes, a buildup of stress can be so extreme that it leads to physical and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can interrupt a person’s ability to live their life. When this happens, people refer to the experience as an anxiety attack. And while the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn’t mention anxiety attacks specifically, it does outline several different types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common symptoms of these conditions include:

Nervousness or restlessness
A sense of dread or constantly feeling that danger is just around the corner
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Rapid heart rate
Shakiness or sweating
Fatigue or sleep difficulties
Difficulty concentrating on tasks or completing them
Stomach troubles
An inability to control one’s worry
Changing behavior or routines to avoid anything that could trigger anxiety

Causes of anxiety attacks

These symptoms can last for varying amounts of time, depending on the person and the situation. And periods of heightened anxiety can last for just a few minutes to weeks on end. Of course, everyone responds differently to stress, and what causes an anxiety attack in one person might not have the same effect on another person. But some of the most common causes of anxiety attacks include:

Feeling chronically exhausted
An accumulation of stress (without the ability to find relief)
Major life changes or periods of uncertainty
Pressure at work, school, or home
Job burnout or working long hours
Trouble finding work
Family or relationship struggles
Financial strain
Housing or food insecurity (or having trouble meeting other basic needs)
Grief and loss
Social isolation or loneliness
Constant worries about the planet or natural disasters brought on by climate change (also known as climate anxiety)
Experiencing abuse, neglect, harassment, discrimination, or racism

Exploring panic attacks

A panic attack is a clinical symptom of a mental health condition called panic disorder. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that typically requires professional help to overcome.

Panic attacks can occur randomly, and many people who have experienced them feel worried about when the next one might happen. While panic can take different forms for different people, the DSM categorizes a panic attack as having at least four of the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath
Increased heart rate
Trembling, shaking
Dizziness
Chest pain
Sweating
Chills or hot flashes
Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
Numbness or tingling sensations
Nausea
Choking sensations
Fear of dying
Fear of insanity or of losing control

One of the most troubling aspects of panic attacks is that they can occur without warning. A person can have several in one day or just one per year depending on the individual. Panic attacks tend to peak quickly within 10 minutes. And they usually last for 5 to 20 minutes. Left untreated, panic attacks can lead to physical, emotional, and social challenges.

Causes of panic attacks

Panic disorder is the main cause of panic attacks, and it can happen for all sorts of reasons. But research has shown that there are some underlying causes and risk factors that might make you more likely to develop it, including:

Going through a traumatic or extremely stressful event or experience
Experiencing grief or loss of a loved one
Having a first-degree relative with panic disorder (or another mental health condition)
Having an imbalance of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters

What are the key differences?

While there’s considerable overlap in the ways someone can experience panic or anxiety, there are some important differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks:

Known or unknown cause: A person experiencing an anxiety attack can point to the stressors that triggered their symptoms. Panic attacks, on the other hand, can occur suddenly and without any known cause.
Severity and length: Anxiety attacks tend to cause less severe symptoms than panic attacks. But anxiety attacks can potentially last much longer than panic attacks.

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks

The distinction between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is an important one for providers who create treatment plans to help people heal from these episodes. But know that you don’t have to determine which experience you’re having to seek help.

A qualified mental health professional can provide an assessment and ensure that you have an accurate diagnosis. This will help you receive effective treatment for anxiety or panic.

Some of the most common ways these mental health concerns are treated include:

Ruling out any potential underlying health conditions or medications that could be causing anxiety
Attending talk therapy, which can help you reframe your anxiety triggers and learn to respond differently to stress
Taking certain anti-anxiety medications, which can help reduce physical and emotional symptoms

Find help with Rula

Everyone gets anxious sometimes. But if your worry feels out of control and it’s negatively affecting your ability to live your life, know that help is available. Whether you’re dealing with episodes of severe anxiety or full-blown panic attacks, working with a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety disorders can help.

At Rula, we built our platform to take the guesswork out of finding the right provider for your needs. In just a few minutes, you can match with a therapist on our platform who takes your insurance and can speak with you as early as this week. Check out our therapist-matching program today to begin reviewing your options, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions.