Mental Health
Panic Attack or Anxiety Attack?
Struggling with overwhelming fear or worry? Learn the key differences between an anxiety attack vs panic attack and explore effective treatment options today.
Feeling overwhelmed by sudden fear or persistent worry? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to understand the difference between an anxiety attack vs. panic attack, especially when symptoms feel intense and uncontrollable. While both can be distressing, knowing their key differences is essential for finding the proper support.
Whether you’re experiencing these attacks yourself or supporting a loved one, recognizing the signs can help you take the first step toward relief. At The Edge Treatment Center, we provide personalized care to help individuals manage anxiety, panic, and related challenges, guiding them toward a healthier, more stable life.
Anxiety Attack Vs. Panic Attack
An anxiety attack may seem similar to a panic attack, but they have distinct differences in onset, intensity, and duration. Understanding these differences can help you recognize symptoms, manage distress, and seek treatment.
Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety attacks occur when intense feelings of worry, fear, or distress build up in response to a perceived threat or stressor. Unlike panic attacks, which happen suddenly, anxiety attacks develop gradually and are often linked to ongoing concerns about the future, personal challenges, or stressful situations.
Common symptoms of an anxiety attack include:
Persistent restlessness or feeling on edge
Excessive worry that feels difficult to control
Muscle tension or physical discomfort
Irritability and trouble focusing
While anxiety is a natural stress response, repeated or overwhelming anxiety attacks can disrupt daily life and indicate the need for professional support.
Duration and Onset
Anxiety attacks typically develop over time rather than hitting all at once. The intensity may build gradually, reaching a peak before subsiding. Unlike panic attacks, which last for a short period, anxiety attacks can persist for minutes, hours, or even days, depending on the situation and the individual.
Triggers
Anxiety attacks are usually connected to identifiable stressors, such as:
Work or academic pressure
Relationship conflicts
Financial difficulties
Health concerns
Past trauma or unresolved emotional issues
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of overwhelming fear or distress that often occur without warning. Unlike anxiety attacks, which build gradually, panic attacks reach their peak within minutes and are frequently accompanied by severe physical symptoms. Many people experiencing a panic attack feel as if they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying.
Common physical symptoms include:
Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) – A racing or pounding heart is a hallmark symptom.
Sweating and trembling – The body reacts as if in immediate danger.
Shortness of breath – Feeling like you can’t get enough air may lead to hyperventilation.
Chest pain – Often mistaken for a heart attack, adding to the distress.
Dizziness or nausea – Lightheadedness or even a fear of fainting.
During a panic attack, the body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, even if there’s no real danger. This intense reaction can be terrifying, but it is not physically harmful.
Duration and Onset
Panic attacks come on suddenly and often peak within 10 minutes, though some can last up to 20 minutes before symptoms start to subside. Unlike anxiety attacks, which can linger for hours or days, panic attacks are typically short-lived. However, their emotional impact can be long-lasting, leaving individuals fearful of another episode.
Triggers
Panic attacks may be triggered by:
Specific situations include crowded places, public speaking, or traumatic memories.
Phobias – Exposure to a feared object or situation.
Stress and emotional distress – Major life changes or unresolved trauma.
Medical conditions or stimulant use – Certain health issues, excessive caffeine, or substance withdrawal.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Help
Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose anxiety and panic-related conditions. While both anxiety and panic attacks can be distressing, they are classified differently in clinical settings:
Panic Disorder (DSM-5 Criteria):
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.
Ongoing concern about having more attacks.
Behavioral changes, such as avoiding situations that might trigger an attack.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (DSM-5 Criteria):
Excessive worry about multiple aspects of life (work, health, relationships) for at least six months.
Difficulty controlling worry.
Symptoms include restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances.
Even if you don’t meet the full criteria for a disorder, frequent or intense anxiety and panic attacks may still require professional attention.
When to Consult a Professional
It’s essential to seek help if anxiety or panic attacks interfere with daily life. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if:
Your symptoms are persistent and overwhelming – Anxiety or panic attacks are frequent and disrupt work, relationships, or daily activities.
You experience unexpected panic attacks – If panic attacks occur suddenly without an obvious trigger, they could indicate panic disorder.
You struggle to manage anxiety or fear on your own – If coping strategies aren’t working and anxiety feels uncontrollable, professional treatment can help.
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Treatment Options
Managing anxiety and panic attacks often require a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Treatment is most effective when personalized to an individual’s needs, helping them regain a sense of control and stability.
Psychotherapy
One of the most effective treatments for both anxiety and panic disorders is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of therapy helps individuals:
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety or panic attacks.
Develop coping strategies to manage stress and fear.
Gradually face and desensitize triggers through exposure therapy.
CBT has been widely studied and is considered a gold standard in treating anxiety-related disorders.
Medications
Medications can be beneficial for individuals whose symptoms are severe or persistent. Common options include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed for both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline).
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) – Used to help regulate mood and anxiety (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine).
Benzodiazepines – Fast-acting medications for panic attacks (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam), though they are usually prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence.
A healthcare provider can determine the proper medication based on individual symptoms and medical history.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing anxiety and panic attacks:
Stress Management Techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the nervous system.
Regular Physical Activity – Exercise reduces stress hormones and promotes overall emotional well-being.
Healthy Sleep Habits – Prioritizing rest and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
Self-Help Strategies
While professional treatment is important, self-help strategies can be powerful tools for managing anxiety and panic attacks. Learning how to calm your mind and body can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes.
For Anxiety Attacks
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques—Mindfulness helps you stay present and avoid getting caught up in anxious thoughts. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can also promote a sense of calm.
Journaling to Manage Worries – Writing anxious thoughts can help process emotions and identify triggers. Journaling also allows you to challenge irrational fears and focus on solutions rather than worst-case scenarios.
For Panic Attacks
Breathing Exercises to Manage Acute Symptoms—Panic attacks often cause hyperventilation, which worsens symptoms. Practicing slow, deep breathing (e.g., inhaling for four seconds, holding for four seconds, and exhaling for four seconds) can help regulate breathing and ease physical distress.
Grounding Techniques to Reduce Immediate Fear: The 5-4-3-2-1 method (naming five things you see, four things you touch, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste) can help you shift your focus away from fear and back to the present moment.
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Anxiety Attack and Panic Attack Holding You Back? We Can Help
Living with overwhelming fear and worry can be exhausting, but addressing the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack is the first step toward effective treatment. Whether you experience persistent anxiety or sudden, intense panic attacks, The Edge Treatment Center offers expert care tailored to your needs.
Our compassionate team provides therapy, medication management, and holistic strategies to help you regain control. Don’t let anxiety or panic attacks take over your life—we’re here to help. Contact us today and start your journey toward lasting recovery.
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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.
Written by
The Edge Treatment Center
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Mental Health
May 30, 2025
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Anxiety attacks develop gradually with excessive worry, often triggered by stress. In contrast, panic attacks occur suddenly with intense fear, severe physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, and a sense of losing control, even in the absence of an immediate threat.
Yes, prolonged anxiety can escalate into a panic attack, mainly when stress builds up over time. If anxious thoughts become overwhelming, they may trigger intense physical symptoms, causing a sudden episode of extreme fear and discomfort associated with a panic attack.
Doctors use DSM-5 criteria to evaluate symptoms, attack frequency, duration, and impact on daily life. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when excessive worry persists for six months, while panic disorder is diagnosed when recurring panic attacks happen unexpectedly.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps manage anxious thoughts, while medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines can relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes, including relaxation techniques, deep breathing, regular physical activity, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol, also play a key role in reducing anxiety and panic attacks.
If attacks are frequent, intense, or interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, seeking professional help is recommended. Therapy, medication, and coping strategies can provide effective relief, improving overall mental well-being and preventing anxiety or panic attacks from worsening over time.