Differences Between Panic And Anxiety Attacks

A panic attack is the physical and mental sensation linked to certainty that some unexpected and negative event will occur. In general terms, panic attacks occur after experiencing certain unfavorable events in a person’s life, since there are usually traumatic factors as the basis for this condition.

From a clinical point of view, it is possible to place the presentation that the panic attack entails within the group of panic disorders defined by the DSM-V.⁽¹⁾ based on its main qualities.

Diagnostic criteria for a panic attack

Below you will find the diagnostic criteria that must be present to arrive at an approximate diagnosis:

• Fear and/or certainty of death.
• Tremors.
• Palpitations.
• Excessive sweating.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness
• Sensation that the person sees himself from the outside.
• Excessive distress.
• Loss of balance.
• Lack of body control.
• Marked behavioral changes.
• Duration of a month or more.
• The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the ingestion of toxic substances or medications.

In concrete terms, an anxiety attack consists of the appearance of thoughts linked to something harmful happening at a certain time. When this happens, physical sensations may arise that make the person uncomfortable since they are not pleasant episodes.

Taking the DSM-V as a main reference⁽¹⁾, it is possible to place anxiety attacks within generalized anxiety disorder. Although it is true that each painting will have characteristics that will differentiate it from others, they share some specific criteria that it is necessary to know to recognize the problem.

Diagnostic criteria for an anxiety attack

Below we show you some points to take into account to establish a correct diagnosis of anxiety attacks:

• Excessive worries regarding the present and the future.
• Concern.
• Difficulties in attention and concentration.
• Deterioration of social, work and family relationships.
• Duration of six months or more.
• The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the ingestion of toxic substances or medications.

Although these clinical presentations present certain similarities that may lead to confusion, it is possible to make certain distinctions between them. Below we explain the main differences between panic and anxiety attacks:

Depending on the intensity

The intensity of the panic attack and anxiety differ markedly. First of all, the intensity of panic attacks is sudden and unexpected because the symptoms appear without warning.

On the other hand, in anxiety attacks there is a gradual increase in symptoms that a person can present and signs may emerge that allow us to anticipate the moment.

According to the origin

On the other hand, the origin of anxiety and panic attacks are also different. First of all, anxiety attacks are caused by stress factors that occur in a person’s life, which generate the symptoms that manifest.

However, panic attacks They may have a confusing and illogical origin from a conscious point of view.

According to the symptoms

In turn, the symptoms that occur in an anxiety attack They can have different intensities, so while some are mild, others can be moderate and severe. On the contrary, panic attacks are characterized by the predominance of extremely intense symptoms.

According to the perception

The perception of events usually varies in both paintings. During an anxiety attack, the person may understand that threatening situations exist but that they are part of their interpretation.

On the other hand, panic attacks are conditioned by certainty of an experience that will happen

Depending on the duration

Finally, another of the main differences between panic and anxiety attacks is their duration. While panic attacks can last a limited time anxiety attacks last indefinitely if not treated by mental health professionals.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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