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These types of attack have different intensities and durations.

Panic attacks are generally more intense than anxiety attacks. They also come on out of the blue, while anxiety attacks are often associated with a trigger.

Symptoms of anxiety are linked to numerous mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and trauma, while panic attacks mainly affect those with panic disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The differences between anxiety and panic attacks are best highlighted by comparing the symptoms of each condition:

Panic attack symptoms

Panic attacks come on suddenly, without an obvious trigger.

Symptoms include:

  • a racing or pounding heartbeat
  • chest pain
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • hot flashes or chills
  • nausea
  • numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • shaking
  • shortness of breath
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • the feeling of being choked or smothered

People experiencing a panic attack may also:

  • feel a loss of control
  • feel like they are going crazy
  • have a sudden fear that they will die
  • feel detached from themselves, which is called depersonalization, and feel detached from their surroundings

Symptoms of panic tend to peak after 10 minutes, then gradually subside.

However, several panic attacks can occur in a row, making it seem like an attack is lasting for much longer.

After an attack, many people feel stressed, worried, or otherwise unusual for the rest of the day.

Anxiety attack symptoms

While panic attacks come on suddenly, symptoms of anxiety follow a period of excessive worry.

Symptoms may become more pronounced over a few minutes or hours. They are typically less intense than those of panic attacks.

Anxiety attack symptoms include:

  • being easily startled
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • fear
  • irritability
  • loss of concentration
  • muscle pain
  • numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • a rapid heart rate
  • restlessness
  • shortness of breath
  • sleep disturbances
  • the feeling of being choked or smothered
  • worry and distress

Anxiety symptoms often last longer than the symptoms of a panic attack. They may persist for days, weeks, or months.

Differentiating between panic and anxiety attacks

Because the symptoms are so similar, it can be difficult to tell the difference between panic and anxiety attacks.

Here are some tips that can help:

  • Panic attacks usually occur without a trigger. Anxiety is a response to a perceived stressor or threat.
  • Symptoms of a panic attack are intense and disruptive. They often involve a sense of “unreality” and detachment. Anxiety symptoms vary in intensity, from mild to severe.
  • Panic attacks appear suddenly, while anxiety symptoms become gradually more intense over minutes, hours, or days.
  • Panic attacks usually subside after a few minutes, while anxiety symptoms can prevail for long periods.

Panic attacks can be expected or unexpected. Unexpected attacks have no apparent triggers.

Anxiety attacks and expected panic attacks can be triggered by:

  • work stresses
  • social stresses
  • driving
  • caffeine
  • withdrawal from alcohol or drugs
  • chronic conditions or chronic pain
  • medications or supplements
  • various phobias (excessive fears of objects or situations)
  • memories of past trauma

Risk factors

People are more likely to experience panic attacks if they have:

  • an anxious personality
  • another mental health issue, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder
  • family members with anxiety or panic disorders
  • a chronic medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, diabetes, or heart disease
  • issues with alcohol or drug abuse
  • ongoing stresses in their personal or professional lives
  • experienced a stressful event, such as a divorce or bereavement
  • experienced trauma in the past
  • witnessed a traumatic event

Females are more likely than males to have anxiety or panic attacks.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommend the following home remedies for stress and anxiety:

  • maintain a positive attitude
  • manage or reduce stressors
  • discover the triggers
  • limit alcohol and caffeine intake
  • eat healthful and balanced meals
  • sleep for 8 hours a night
  • exercise every day
  • take time out each day for enjoyable activities
  • practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
  • build a support network

Medical treatments

People debating whether to seek treatment often wonder:

Can therapy work?

Engaging in therapy can help to identify triggers and manage symptoms. Therapy also aims to help people to accept their pasts and work toward their futures.

One type, called cognitive behavioral therapy, may be especially helpful for people with anxiety and panic disorders.

Does medication help?

Medication can reduce symptoms in people with severe or recurrent panic or anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with therapy or as a stand-alone treatment.

A doctor may prescribe:

  • anti-anxiety drugs
  • antidepressants
  • benzodiazepines

Takeaway

Panic and anxiety attacks are different, but they share some symptoms.

Anxiety attacks often follow periods of prolonged worry. Panic attacks tend to occur suddenly, and the symptoms are often more intense.

Panic and anxiety can be distressing and disruptive, but self-help strategies can reduce the intensity of symptoms. Therapy and medication can prevent or reduce the number of future episodes.

The sooner a person seeks help, the better the outcome.

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