Anxiety Attacks Versus Panic Attacks
There are some differences between anxiety and panic attacks. While
books are written on this topic, this lesson will attempt to
summarize some basics here for a brief overview.
Anxiety Attacks
An anxiety attack, sometimes referred to as a panic attack, is an
unforeseen periods or incidents where there is a sudden fright or
fear of intense proportions. These attacks focus on fears that are
most often not rational; however the person with the disorder
believes he or she is in terrible danger or at extreme risk. Most
often these anxiety attacks occur all of a sudden; i.e. they are not
planned nor do they come with any type of warning mechanism built in
for advance action. Results are that the person suffering the attack
will feel about to faint or near death’s door.
People who suffer anxiety attacks report the following symptoms,
listed in no particular order:
Discomfort or pain in the chest
Vertigo or Dizziness
Upset stomach / Nausea
Loss of Control, Loss of Mental Stability Stress
Cold or hot flashes
Heart palpitations or near heart attack
Shallow breathing
Shakes / Trembling
Anxiety disorder is characterized as having anxiety feelings that
are “always there / all inclusive,” make people want to isolate
themselves from society and hamper everyday activities with others.
Panic Attacks
On the other hand, a panic attack does not carry with it that
“always there” association. In fact, panic episodes generally burst
forth, peaking after roughly10 minutes or so, then ending after
about 25 minutes.
During a panic attack, 4 of the symptoms listed below (in no
particular order) generally make an appearance:
Shallow breathing, even to the point of suffocation sensation...
Increased heart rates
Tightness of chest
Shakes / Trembling / Sweating
Choking sensation
Upset Stomach / Nausea
Vertigo
Surreal feelings
Loss of Control, especially of mental faculties
Death coming on
Numbing
Cold or hot flashes
The Difference
The main difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks is in
the duration of the attack and how intense it is for the person with
the affliction. While anxiety attacks are less hi-stress, they tend
to last longer than the power-packed panic stressors. Of course
there is much more written on both disorders to help people learn
how to deal with them in depth.
Learn more with your own copy of:
The “Curing Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks” Guide
Curing your Anxiety and Panic Attacks |
