For a common man, panic and anxiety attacks may seem similar. But, clinically or according to a health professional, both are two different illnesses. So, through this piece of article, let’s learn each of their definitions, the physical and mental symptoms with which the diagnosis is performed, and their respective treatment methods.
Major Difference Between Panic and Anxiety Attacks
A panic attack is an extreme or intensified form of discomfort or fear. This is caused all of a sudden and may involve both physical and mental illness. On the other hand, an anxiety attack results from a prolonged emotional disruption that has been gradually built up for days, weeks, or months, unlike a panic attack that peaks and fades away in just a few minutes or an hour. Regardless, let’s get into the details of each of these attacks.
Signs of panic attack
The major symptoms that differentiate a panic attack or disorder from anxiety include:
- Unexpected trembling
- Impulsive suffocation or choking
- Sudden fear of losing control over body and mind
- A feeling of detachment from oneself and the surrounding world
- Short of breath or dizziness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Increased sweating
- Numbness, chills, or hot flashes
- Chest pain due to increased heart rate (this is considered a common symptom between anxiety and panic attacks)
Notably, a panic attack may be a result or side effect of any other psychiatric disorder.
What is the treatment for panic attacks?
Exposure therapy is the first preferred treatment for panic attacks. Then comes cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, or behavioral therapy, based on the patient’s level and type of panic attack.
Thinking of medications? We can read your mind. In most cases, medications may not be necessary. Only for a few cases, wherein the severity of panic disorder is at its extreme, medications may be needed.
After all, prevention is better than cure. That is why therapists and psychiatrists recommend the following for panic-attacked patients:
- Strictly no to alcohol or substances.
- Regular exercising or fitness routine.
- Avoid excessive smoking and coffee.
- A balanced and healthy diet.
- Enough sleep every other day.
- Mingle with self-help groups, sober communities, etc.
- Sign up for mindfulness programs with more exposure.
Signs of anxiety attack
Firstly, the term ‘anxiety attack’ is not yet a defined mental disorder. Though most mentally ill people show signs of anxiety, anxiety attacks may be a rare scenario among these patients. However, the widely accepted symptoms of an anxiety attack are:
- Consistent restlessness or irritation
- Regularly disturbed sleep
- Deteriorated physical health, including fatigue, muscle tension, dizziness, velocious heart rate, etc.
- A worrisome life
- Stress over a long period
What is the treatment for anxiety attacks?
Certainly, anxiety attacks are induced by a set of triggers. Thus, when it comes to treating anxiety, the first thing to be addressed is these triggers. So far, therapists have found that a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy could be the best treatment method to help patients with this mental disorder. As a result, the patients can easily identify and avoid those triggers that induce anxiety attacks and improve their overall lifestyle and well-being.
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How about personalized treatment?
Of course, personalized treatment is the best way to deal with any mental illness or disorder, like panic attacks or anxiety. Therefore, every affected patient needs to reach out to the leading mental health care center or hospital that offers personalized treatments for anxiety and panic attacks. Are you witnessing any of the above-listed symptoms? Do not delay; book an appointment now!
