Panic Attack VS Anxiety Attack

ANXIETY RELATED DISORDERS ARE THE MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN THE UNITED STATES. AS MANY AS 18% OF AMERICAN ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY RELATED DISORDERS ANNUALLY, WHILE ONLY A HANDFUL ULTIMATELY RECEIVE TREATMENT. ANXIETY CREATES A MIX OF HARMFUL AND HURTFUL SYMPTOMS WHICH CAN GREATLY DIMINISH YOUR OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE. WHETHER YOU STRUGGLE WITH PANIC ATTACK VS ANXIETY ATTACK, SYMPTOMS CAN CAUSE YOU TO AVOID LEAVING YOUR HOUSE OR ATTENDING SOCIAL EVENTS.

Things like loud noises and large crowds can trigger anxiety symptoms. 2.7% of the American population experiences panic attacks each year and those that struggle with anxiety disorders are more likely to have a secondary mental health disorder, like depression.

Even though it may appear that there is not a difference between panic attack vs anxiety attack, both produce unique symptoms and require an anxiety treatment program.

WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?

Anxiety disorders are a set of incurable mental health disorders that create severe anxiety related symptoms that impact your daily life. Symptoms can cause you to have difficulty talking to others, engaging in certain activities and experience panic or anxiety attacks.

Although anxiety disorders are highly treatable, the complexity of reaching out for help can make treatment difficult. For those that struggle with social anxiety, calling a doctor or treatment center for assistance may become overwhelming and emotionally crippling.

Some examples of anxiety related mental health disorders include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Phobias

About half of all people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder also have depression. This can make it more difficult to cope with symptoms of both disorders. Isolation is a common coping mechanism used to combat anxiety disorders.

PANIC ATTACK VS ANXIETY ATTACK

What is the difference between a panic attack vs anxiety attack? While the terms panic attack and anxiety attack are commonly used interchangeably, both have unique characteristics and symptoms. Panic attacks produce extreme feelings of anxiety and typically have a sudden onset. In fact, panic attacks occur without exposure to triggers, which makes their seemingly random occurrence problematic.

Not knowing if you will experience a panic attack and worrying about having one can significantly worsen your anxiety. Another difference between panic attacks vs anxiety attacks is that anxiety attacks not only have a gradual onset, but they can last for weeks, or even months. Panic attacks, although they produce more intense symptoms, are short-term.

These minute differences are very important during treatment. While anxiety attack treatment utilizes techniques like identifying triggers and developing coping strategies when exposed to triggers, panic attacks require different management techniques. Both can be treated with a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments, such as therapy, medications and relaxation techniques.

READY FOR THE FIRST STEP?

When wondering what the difference between a panic attack vs anxiety attack is, it is important to remember both require treatment. Pearl of the Sea Retreat, a premier anxiety treatment center in St. Augustine, FL. has the experience, understanding, and compassion you need to begin recovery. Call us today at 866-962-1907 to find out more about our programs.