What’s the difference between Panic attack and Anxiety attack?
What’s the difference between Panic and Anxiety attack?
What’s the difference between panic attack and anxiety attack?
| Panic Attack | Anxiety Attack |
|
|
Panic Attack symptoms:
Panic attacks come on suddenly and can occur with or without an identifiable trigger.
- a rapid heart rate
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- stomach pain
- sweating
- dry mouth
- sweating
- chills or hot flashes
- trembling or shaking
- numbness or tingling (paresthesia)
- nausea, abdominal pain, or upset stomach
- headache
- feeling faint or dizzy
Anxiety attack symptoms:
Anxiety attacks are not a diagnosable condition. However, symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include:
- nervousness
- irritability
- increased heart rate
- rapid breathing
- trembling
- sweating
- a sense of impending danger
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep disturbances
- withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
- caffeine
- medication and supplements
- thyroid problems
Home remedies:
If you feel an anxiety or panic attack coming on, try the following:
- Take slow deep breaths: When you feel your breath quickening, focus your attention on each inhale and exhale. Feel your stomach fill with air as you inhale. Count down from four as you exhale. Repeat until your breathing slows.
- Recognize and accept what you’re experiencing: If you’ve already experienced an anxiety or panic attack, you know that it can be incredibly challenging. Remind yourself that the symptoms will pass and you’ll be alright.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Mindfulness is a technique that can help you ground your thoughts in the present. You can practice mindfulness by actively observing thoughts and sensations without reacting to them.
- Use relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques include guided imagery, aromatherapy, and muscle relaxation. If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, try doing things that you find relaxing. Close your eyes, take a bath, or use lavender, which has relaxing effects.
Lifestyle tips
Tips for managing stress and anxiety include:
- Knowing the signs: If people know how to recognize the signs of stress or anxiety, they may be able to take some action. Headaches, an inability to sleep, or overeating may all be signs that it is time to take a break or ask for help.
- Knowing personal triggers: If people can learn to recognize what makes them feel anxious, they may be able to take action. Consider keeping a journal to track triggers.
- Eating a healthy diet: A busy lifestyle may result in unhealthy eating habits. Try to make time to sit down to a healthy meal, or make a homemade lunch with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Exercising: Regular physical activity can help to support mental health and boost a sense of well-being.
- Learning some relaxation techniques: Breathing, meditation, aromatherapy and other strategies may help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Trying a new activity: Music, gardening, choir, yoga, Pilates, or another group may ease stress and take the mind off any worries for a while. People may meet others with similar concerns and experiences.
- Being social: Spend time with friends and family, or find a group to meet others, such as volunteering or joining a support group. People may find others who can provide emotional and practical support.
- Setting goals: If people are feeling overwhelmed with financial or administrative problems, it may help to take time to make a plan. Set targets and priorities and check them off once done. A plan may also help people say “no” to additional requests from others that make them feel anxious.
Diagnosing panic attack vs. anxiety attack:
Doctors can’t diagnose anxiety attacks, but they can diagnose:
- anxiety symptoms
- anxiety disorders
- panic attacks
- panic disorders