What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack can be defined as a sudden bout of profuse discomfort and fear under the circumstances of no apparent danger or cause, generally followed by physical reactions like sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. According to DSM-5, panic attacks are classified under two main categories, they are:

1. Expected panic attack

This is caused by evident factors called stressors.

2. Unexpected panic attack

This can happen abruptly, with no former warning or evident cause.

Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack

The symptoms of both the conditions are so similar that it can be difficult to distinguish between panic and anxiety attacks. Below listed are some points that can help:

Symptoms of Panic Attack and Anxiety Attack

Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate between panic attacks and anxiety attacks. This is because both of them are associated with similar symptoms. There’s a good chance that you may experience both a panic and an anxiety attack, simultaneously. Here are some examples of emotional as well as physical symptoms that are caused by these two:

• Discomfort

• Dry mouth

• Shakiness

• Chest pain

• Fear of death

• Extreme forms of worry

• Headache

• Nausea

• Shortness or gasping for breath

• Stomach upset or stomach pain

• Paresthesia

If you are having trouble understanding the source behind these symptoms, then you need to consider the base factors. For example, panic attacks can happen abruptly with no evident cause, whereas anxiety attacks are generally caused by a dangerous or stressful situation. Also, symptoms of panic attacks are usually disruptive, whereas anxiety attack symptoms can mild, moderate or serious.

Causes of panic attack and anxiety attack

Expected panic attacks and anxiety can be triggered by similar things. Some common triggers include:

• A stressful situation

• Social issues

• Chronic illness or pain

• Thyroid problems

• Caffeine

• Phobias

• Withdrawal faced after quitting drinking, smoking or drugs

• Certain medications

• When thinking about a past traumatic experience

Risk factors for panic attack and anxiety attack

Anxiety and panic attacks have similar risk factors. These include:

• A traumatic experience in the past

• An experience with great loss, like the experience of death of a closed one or a family member

• A pre-existing mental illness

• A habit of excessive drinking or substance abuse

• Too much work pressure like close deadlines

• Experiencing family issues

Diagnosing panic attack and anxiety attack

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions with similar symptoms, like heart disease or thyroid problems. Doctors can’t diagnose anxiety attacks, but they can diagnose anxiety symptoms, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and panic disorders.

Treatment and medication for panic attack and anxiety attack

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety attack, then make sure to consult with a doctor for treatment recommendations. Generally, treatment and medication for these issues include:

1. Counselling & Psychotherapy

Talking therapies can involve the following options, often in combination.

• Relaxation techniques:

This includes yoga, massage, music therapy, guided imagery, etc.

• CBT:

Cognitive behavioural therapy is led by a certified counsellor and can help by locating the issue and developing techniques to deal with it.

• Exposure therapy:

This form of therapy involves getting carefully exposed to anxiety and panic-triggering situations and learning progressive methods to deal with them.

2. Medications

Your healthcare provider will prescribe medicines based on the severity of your symptoms. This includes anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers.

Your doctor may also need to alter your treatment plan over time.

Home remedies for panic attack and anxiety attack

If you feel an anxiety or panic attack coming on, try the following:

• Take slow deep breaths and focus your attention on each inhale and exhale.

• Recognize and accept what you’re experiencing. Provide self-comfort by reminding yourself that it is temporary and will pass soon

• Practice mindfulness to ground your thoughts in the present.

• Utilize any known relaxation techniques that can help you achieve comfort, like aromatherapy, guided imagery, listening to music, etc.

Following certain lifestyle changes such as regular exercising, eating a balanced diet, practicing yoga and meditation, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can help prevent anxiety and panic attacks.

Conclusion

Though panic attack and anxiety attack are often used interchangeably, both these terms are not the same. Despite the few similarities in symptoms and causes, the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack is quite wide. It is important to understand which one is responsible, in order to get the correct treatment and support for it.

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Sources: healthline.com, clevelandclinic.org, mayoclinic.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on December 1, 2023