When it comes to feelings of fear, panic, and anxiousness, everyone tends to react differently. However, for those who experience panic or anxiety attacks, the feelings are intense and overwhelming.
Knowing how to manage your mental health properly can help reduce the number of attacks you experience. However, it’s important to understand the difference between a panic attack vs. an anxiety attack. Knowing the differences can help you determine which you’re experiencing and how you can help yourself.
For further help, turning to the counseling services in Palm Beach Gardens, FL provides is the best option. With the right anxiety and stress treatment programs, you don’t need to worry about when the next panic or anxiety attack will start.
The Difference Between a Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack
When it comes to knowing the difference between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack, it’s important to look at each separately since they’re quite similar.
All About Panic Attacks
A panic attack tends to occur suddenly and makes the individual feel an overwhelming sense of fear. These sudden episodes cause fear, anxiety, and physical symptoms from a perceived danger.
The current DSM-5 recognizes these attacks and states them as being either expected or unexpected. An expected attack stems from a trigger such as a phobia. Unexpected attacks occur without reason or warning.
Panic attacks can also become severe and include more disruptive side effects or symptoms than an anxiety attack. Symptoms include:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Feelings of choking
- Hot or cold sensations
- Numbness or tingling
- Feelings of depersonalization or unreality
- Fear of dying
All About Anxiety Attacks
While the DSM-5 doesn’t recognize anxiety attacks, it still defines anxiety as a disorder. An anxiety attack tends to occur because of the anticipation of a situation or event. It also tends to occur more gradually than a panic attack.
A lack of definition for an anxiety attack means the experience can be different for everyone but still constitutes as an attack. This also makes anxiety counseling programs so crucial when symptoms differ so greatly. However, symptoms may include:
- Feelings of dread
- Anticipating the worst
- Feeling tense and jumpy
- Trouble concentrating
- High alertness
- Feeling like your mind has gone blank
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
The Similarities Between Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Both experiences can lead to almost the same signs and symptoms of each other. In fact, it’s possible to experience both at the same time. While suffering an anxiety attack, the feeling of worry or fear can trigger a panic attack. Other symptoms can include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Clammy hands
- Shaking or trembling
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Fear of losing control
No matter if you’re experiencing a panic attack vs. anxiety attack, specialized counseling services can help you manage your symptoms. Guidance and support from your therapist can help you feel more in control of your mental health.
Help with Remedy Therapy
Throughout our lives, we are sure to face some obstacles and trying times. No matter what challenge life throws your way, the counseling staff at Remedy Therapy is ready to help. We can help you navigate any issue you face and let you take control of your mental health.
Our counseling services in Florida include:
- Acute stress disorder treatment
- Adolescent counseling
- Individual and group counseling
- Trauma therapy
- Counseling for first responders
- Psychiatric services and medication management
If you’re struggling with your mental health issues and still have questions regarding panic attack vs. anxiety attack, reach out to our team today. Contact Remedy Therapy online or by calling 561.414.2607 to learn how to get started with mental health treatment in Florida.
