Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are often thought to be one in the same, but they actually have some significant differences. Although the symptoms mimic each other, the circumstances surrounding a panic attack and an anxiety attack can vary greatly.

Similar Symptoms

Both panic attacks and anxiety attacks can cause a wide array of symptoms. Some of the symptoms can be quite bothersome and can include:

• A fast heartbeat
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Pain in the chest
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tingling of the hands and feet
• Tremors or shaking uncontrollably
• Feeling short of breath
• Sweating or feeling cold
• Tightness in the throat
• Having an inability to focus
• A feeling of impending doom

How Panic Attacks Are Different

While anxiety attacks can be frightening to the person experiencing them, panic attacks are generally much worse. Although panic attacks resolve quicker than anxiety attacks, the symptoms are more severe.

Anxiety attacks usually have a definable cause, such as stress, drug withdrawal, fear of certain places and things, or even medications. Panic attacks, however, come out of nowhere with no specific trigger. This can make them more challenging to resolve because the underlying cause isn’t as clear.

Treating Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks

When a panic attack or anxiety attack occurs, the best thing a person can do is to try to remain calm and take deep, cleansing breaths. Keeping in mind that the symptoms will eventually pass can help them ease up sooner.

Medical treatment for panic attacks and anxiety attacks comes in the form of medication or therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common type of therapy used because it determines the cause of the attacks and offers solutions to resolve them.

Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, reducing stress, maintaining a health diet, getting enough rest, surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family, and learning calming techniques like meditation and yoga can greatly reduce the symptoms of an anxiety attack or panic attack.

Both panic attacks and anxiety attacks subside quicker if treatment is sought as soon as possible.