It is common that in everyday language certain terms look alike. In these cases, people may think that two words have a single meaning even though there are considerable differences between them. In the field of psychology, information with erroneous data that circulates through networks, the media and social contexts can sometimes lead to confusion and lead one to think that two terms are equal. Is it the same to talk about a fear than a phobia? Are repetitive thoughts the same as obsessions? The main point of these examples is that we should not assume that certain theoretical terms have the same meaning.
In this Psychology-Online article we explain the differences between panic and anxiety attacks.
Panic attack is the name given to the physical and mental sensation linked to certainty that some unexpected and negative event will occur. In general, panic attacks occur after experiencing certain events unfavorable events in a person's life, since there are usually traumatic factors as the basis of this chart.
From the clinical point of view, it is possible to situate the presentation that involves the panic attack within the group of panic disorders delimited by the DSM-V[1] based on its main qualities.
Diagnostic criteria for a panic attack
Below you will find the diagnostic criteria that must be present to arrive at an approximate diagnosis:
- Fear and/or certainty of death.
- tremors.
- palpitations.
- excessive sweating
- Nausea.
- vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Sensation that the person sees himself from the outside.
- excessive distress.
- Loss of balance.
- Lack of body control.
- Marked behavior changes.
- Duration of a month or more.
- The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the intake of toxic substances or medications.
In concrete terms, an anxiety attack consists of the appearance of thoughts linked to the fact that something harmful will happen at a certain time. When this happens, physical sensations can arise that make the person uncomfortable since they are not pleasant episodes.
Taking as main reference the DSM-V[1], it is possible to place anxiety attacks within the generalized anxiety disorder. Although it is true that each box will have characteristics that differentiate it from others, they share some specific criteria that it is necessary to know to recognize the problem.
Diagnostic criteria for an anxiety attack
Here are some points to keep in mind to establish a correct diagnosis of anxiety attacks:
- excessive worries regarding the present and the future.
- Concern.
- Difficulties in attention and concentration.
- Deterioration of social, work and family relationships.
- Duration of six months or more.
- The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the intake of toxic substances or medications.
Beyond the fact that these clinical presentations present certain similarities that can lead to confusion, it is possible to make certain distinctions between them. Below we explain what are the main differences between panic and anxiety attacks:
according to the intensity
Panic attack intensity and anxiety differ markedly. First, the intensity of panic attacks is sudden and unexpected because the symptoms appear without warning.
On the other hand, in anxiety attacks there is a gradual increase in symptoms that a person can present and indications can arise that allow us to anticipate the moment.
According to the origin
On the other hand, the origin of anxiety and panic attacks are also different. First, anxiety attacks are caused by stressors that occur in a person's life, which generate the symptoms that are manifested.
However, panic attacks may have a confusing and illogical origin from a conscious point of view.
According to the symptoms
In turn, the symptoms that occur in an anxiety attack can have different intensities, so while some are mild, others can be moderate and severe. In contrast, panic attacks are characterized by the predominance of extremely intense symptoms.
according to perception
The perception of events usually varies in both frames. During an anxiety attack, the person may understand that there are threatening situations but that they are part of their interpretation.
Instead, panic attacks have as a condition the certainty of an experience that will happen.
According to the duration
Finally, another of the main differences between panic and anxiety attacks is their duration. while panic attacks can last for a limited time, anxiety attacks last indefinitely if they are not treated by mental health professionals.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
