Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: How to Recognize the Differences and When to Seek Help
Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. Worries about work, relationships, health, finances or even a text message you just sent can temporarily leave you feeling tense or uneasy.
An anxiety disorder is different. It involves fear or worry that persists, is difficult to control and begins interfering with everyday life. Symptoms can occur across different situations and may continue even when there is no immediate danger.
Anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Treatment can include therapy, lifestyle changes, medication or a combination of approaches recommended by a healthcare or mental health professional.
Understanding the differences among generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks and panic disorder can make it easier to describe what you're experiencing and recognize when professional help may be appropriate.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Occasional worry does not necessarily mean someone has generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD.
People with GAD experience excessive anxiety or worry about multiple areas of their lives. The worry can be difficult to control, persist for months or longer and interfere with work, school, relationships or everyday responsibilities.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD often develops gradually and can begin at any age, although it frequently starts during early adulthood. Women are diagnosed more often than men, and symptoms can begin or intensify during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Fear and anxiety are closely related but aren't quite the same. Fear generally occurs in response to an immediate threat, while anxiety often centers on something that might happen in the future.
What are common symptoms of anxiety?
People with GAD may experience excessive worry about everyday situations and have difficulty controlling those thoughts.
Other symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, trembling, sweating, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.
Adults may find themselves worrying intensely about finances, work, health, family responsibilities or routine tasks.
Children and teenagers can experience similar anxiety involving school, friendships, activities, making mistakes, disappointing others or uncertainty about the future. Some may become perfectionistic as they try to manage those fears.
Symptoms can become more noticeable during stressful periods, including illness, family conflict, financial difficulties or changes at work.
Anxiety vs. panic attack: What's the difference?
Anxiety can persist for an extended period and fluctuate in intensity. A panic attack, by contrast, is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that typically reaches its peak within minutes.
The physical symptoms can be dramatic.
Someone experiencing a panic attack may have a racing or pounding heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, sweating, nausea, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flashes.
Other symptoms can include a choking sensation, a feeling of impending doom, feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings, or fear of losing control or dying.
The symptoms can be so intense that some people believe they are having a heart attack.
Panic attacks sometimes have an identifiable trigger, but they can also occur unexpectedly, including during sleep. They can also occur alongside other mental health conditions.
Although panic attacks generally subside, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting or an irregular heartbeat can also indicate a medical emergency. New, severe or unusual symptoms warrant immediate medical attention rather than assuming anxiety is responsible.
Does having a panic attack mean you have panic disorder?
No. Experiencing a panic attack does not necessarily mean someone has panic disorder.
Panic disorder involves recurring, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about having additional attacks or significant behavioral changes because of them.
For example, someone might begin avoiding driving, exercising, crowded stores or other places and activities because they fear another attack.
That cycle of anticipating another episode and changing everyday behavior can itself become a source of continuing anxiety.
What causes anxiety and panic attacks?
There isn't one known cause.
Genetics, brain biology, environmental stress and life experiences can all play a role. Certain physical conditions, medications and substances can also produce symptoms resembling anxiety or panic.
Possible contributors include thyroid disorders, heart rhythm problems, asthma and other breathing conditions, low blood sugar, anemia, hormonal changes and medication side effects.
Caffeine, alcohol, recreational drugs and withdrawal from certain substances or medications can also contribute to symptoms.
Because there can be physical as well as psychological causes, a healthcare professional may review medications, substance use and medical history before deciding whether an examination or additional testing is needed.
When should you seek help for anxiety?
Consider speaking with a primary care provider or qualified mental health professional when anxiety or panic attacks happen repeatedly, become more severe or begin affecting daily life.
Professional help may be particularly useful when symptoms interfere with sleep, work, school or relationships; cause you to avoid normal activities or places; make routine responsibilities difficult; or lead to using alcohol or other substances to cope.
How are anxiety and panic disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the person and severity of symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior and develop healthier responses. Exposure-based therapy gradually introduces feared sensations or situations in a structured environment. Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on changing how someone responds to difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to act according to personal values.
Medication may also be considered. Certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders.
Some faster-acting anti-anxiety medications may be appropriate in particular circumstances, but they can cause sedation, tolerance or dependence and are generally prescribed selectively.
People taking medication should consult the prescribing healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing a drug.
Can lifestyle changes help with anxiety?
Healthy habits aren't a substitute for professional treatment when it's needed, but they can support mental and physical well-being.
Regular exercise, consistent sleep, balanced meals and limiting caffeine and alcohol can help. Avoiding nicotine and recreational drugs, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques and maintaining supportive relationships may also be beneficial.
For people receiving treatment, following the treatment plan and keeping their healthcare provider informed about symptoms and side effects are also important.
Sources for this Article
- Medical City Las Colinas
- Panic Attack Symtoms by Mayo Clinic
When to get immediate help
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or severe emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
