Anxiety Attacks Versus Panic Attacks

There are some differences between anxietyand panic attacks. while books are writtenon this topic, this lesson will attempt tosummarize some basics here for a briefoverview.

An anxiety attack, sometimesreferred to as a panic attack, is anunforeseen periods or incidents where thereis a sudden fright or fear of intenseproportions. these attacks focus on fearsthat are most often not rational; however theperson with the disorder believes he or sheis in terrible danger or at extreme risk.Most often these anxiety attacks occur all ofa sudden; i.e. they are not planned nor dothey come with any type of warning mechanismbuilt in for advance action. Results are thatthe person suffering the attack will feelabout to faint or near death’s door.

People who suffer anxiety attacks report thefollowing symptoms, listed in no particularorder:

Discomfort or pain in the chest Vertigo orDizziness Upset stomach / Nausea Loss ofControl, Loss of Mental Stability StressCold or hot flashes Heart palpitations ornear heart attack Shallow breathing Shakes /Trembling

Anxiety disorder is characterized as havinganxiety feelings that are “always there / allinclusive,” make people want to isolatethemselves from society and hamper everydayactivities with others.

On the other hand, a panic attack does notcarry with it that “always there”association. in fact, panic episodesgenerally burst forth, peaking afterroughly10 minutes or so, then ending afterabout 25 minutes.

During a panic attack, 4 of the symptomslisted below (in no particular order)generally make an appearance:

Shallow breathing, even to the point ofsuffocation sensation…

Increased heart rates Tightness of chestShakes / Trembling / Sweating Chokingsensation Upset Stomach / Nausea VertigoSurreal feelings Loss of Control, especiallyof mental faculties Death coming on NumbingCold or hot flashes

The main difference between anxiety attacksand panic attacks is in the duration of theattack and how intense it is for the personwith the affliction. while anxiety attacksare less hi-stress, they tend to last longerthan the power-packed panic stressors.