Panic Attack Vs. Anxiety Attack

In common parlance, both these terms, that is, Panic Attack and Anxiety Attack, are used as same and interchangeably. But, if we view Panic attacks and Anxiety Attacks through a medical lens, both have different connotations based on a few different symptoms. For their convenience, people often use these terms without making a difference between these two.

What does an anxiety attack mean?

Although an anxiety attack has no proper definition, based on symptoms and its intensity, an anxiety attack is an emotional pain related to a ‘fight or flight response and an unpleasant situation. When anxiety attacks, a person confronts certain uncomfortable feelings, that is danger, terror, constant and unreasonable intense fear. Regardless of its less intensity than panic attacks, it has pressing effects on human health.

Symptoms of an anxiety attack

Symptoms of an anxiety attack are usually less severe than a panic attack but, at the same time, are depressing. Fear, thread, sense of terror and feelings of alienation, etc., are some common symptoms of an anxiety attack. Moreover, symptoms more or less vary from male to male and female to female. Symptoms are broached after this;

In Females

1. Feelings of lethargy

2. Focus difficulties

3. Irritability

4. Insomnia

5. Sense of impending danger or panic

In Males

1. Muscle tension

2. Agitation

3. Catastrophic thinking 

4. Fear of losing control

5. Vertigo

What is a panic attack?

DSM states a well-known definition of a panic attack, that is, ‘an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort’ reaching a peak within minutes. A panic attack is generally not long-lasting but yes, its symptoms. It is a recurrent, unexpected panic attack usually accompanied by a variety of cognitive symptoms. It is also a period of discomfort. The regular high-level panic attacks and the episode repeats may cause panic disorder which is more serious and threatening. Following are symptoms;

1. Chest pain

2. Nausea

3. Shortness of breath

4. Sense of unreality

5. Increased heartbeat

6. Hot flushes

7. Dry mouth

8. Sense of alienation

9. Abdominal distress

10. Irrational thinking

What are the effects of Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

Grievously, the effects are more pressing and scary. It has both short and long-term effects. Regardless of the intensity of either attack, both affect mentally, emotionally, psychologically, physically, and socially. Some alarming effects are given below;

Short-term Physical, Mental and Emotional Effects

1. Headaches

2. Discomfort

3. Lightheadedness

4. Less fear intensity

5. Fatigue

6. Use mind-altering drugs for natural chemical balance in the brain

7. Increase breathing rate

8. Stressful life for no reason

9. Weight gain due to excessive secretion of stress hormones 

10. Chest pain

Long-Term Social Effects

When panic or anxiety attack reaches a very risky level, then the dangerous long-term effects become inevitable. Some important effects are as follows;

Self-isolation- a sense of alienation from the rest of the society. During the attack, due to the uncontrolled intensity of fear and depression, the victim may feel disconnected from others.

Phobias- the most frequent symptom of phobias is a panic attack. Different types of phobias start growing, particularly in panic attack victims. Likewise, fear from height and fly are also associated with types of phobia.

Agoraphobia- fear of being alone in a crowd or on public transport. Agoraphobia develops after having at least one or more panic attacks.

Relationships affected- relations of the victim with his family, colleagues, and others

Onset Differences

DSM-5, which is a valuable outcome of indomitable efforts of more than ten years pertaining to mental health, noted that anxiety attack is not recognized as a mental disorder, unlike panic attack. It illustrates that an anxiety attack is less disruptive with regards to symptoms than a panic attack. According to an NIH report, females experience mental illness about 3.4% than males with 1.9%.  

However, a very high level of anxiety attack cause panic attack. At the same time, anxiety is an emotional pain due to fear or worry. The early diagnosis of an anxiety attack can prevent a panic attack. People often become aware of their mental illness at a very alarming stage, where recovery chances are less. To consult a deft doctor at the early stages of an illness is a wise step.

Remedies

How to overcome anxiety attacks?

The treatment for anxiety attacks is not only easily accessible but enjoyable. In a society, a man cannot live in isolation; he has to face others. So, a person cannot live with anxiety illness, following are some tips to overcome this illness;

Eat a healthy diet- avoid cigarettes and alcohol

Complementary therapies- herbal treatments, massage, and medication.

Support groups- to share common experience for common challenges

Talking treatments- with an expert for help

Self-helping resources-join computer programs for phobias, panic attacks

How to beat a panic attack?

A panic attack has somewhat the same tricks to tackle this illness as an anxiety attack. The early cure of this panic attack is very crucial and important in order to live a happy life. There are some valuable steps to follow, these are;

Hypnotherapy- an alternative medicine treatment, use guided relaxation to cure panic attack.

Have some patience- because the treatment takes time for effective results.

Antidepressant- in the case when the illness is much severe.

Counseling therapy- a victim talks friendly with the therapist, and he tells all his concerns.

Sound sleep- an effective tip to control the risk of panic attacks.

Why are females more likely to be affected by anxiety/panic attacks?

According to NCS data, a panic attack is 2.5 times more prevalent among women than men. According to a biological study, man hormones help to ease anxiety symptoms. While in the case of females, hormones are more active and have a long fight-or-flight response. Females are more prone to these attacks because they are sensitive to fewer hormones that organize the stress response.

Conclusion

Viewing all the above discussion through the lens of analysis illustrates that mental illness, whether panic or anxiety attack, regardless of their intensity, is harmful to health. No doubt, the early diagnosis of the illness prevents further disorders. Regular consultation with a doctor can help to overcome the illness at an early stage. Healthy food and a good rehab center are panaceas of all illnesses. Proper sleep is another effective way to tackle these attacks. A victim ought to follow all the guidelines of his therapist because it is the only option that guarantees the positive recovery of the patient and back in social life.