By Melissa Partl, LCSW, School-Based Therapist, Christian Family Solutions
There is a difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack, and I’m going to start by explaining the differences between them. I find myself educating people on this quite often, as panic and anxiety attacks are frequently confused. The DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the most recent manual for providers to use to diagnose mental health conditions and symptom presentation. In the DSM-5-TR, an individual diagnosed with panic disorder experiences “recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.”
These are important terms to keep in mind when distinguishing between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. The DSM-5-TR goes on to define a panic attack as an “abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes”. The length of time is important when identifying a panic attack. Panic attacks are sudden, abrupt, and start and end rather quickly. Clients have reported to me a panic attack lasting 2-4 minutes, versus an anxiety attack lasting 5-10 minutes. The symptoms listed in the DSM-5-TR for a panic attack include:
The DSM-5-TR states you need to have at least four of these symptoms during the panic attack to qualify for this diagnosis. I’ll also add that sometimes people will have dark spots in their vision or their vision will be clouded.
There may be a “fear of the next one” when it comes to panic attacks. The person will work hard to avoid things related to the most recent episode. For example, if you have a panic attack on the city bus, you then avoid taking the bus and choose to drive your car instead. However, while driving your car, you still fear a panic attack may occur.
Anxiety attacks are different in the fact that there is a “ramping up period.” Anxiety attacks start small and gradually increase, reaching a peak and then the anxiety will decrease. This is why anxiety attacks can last longer. Anxiety attacks are also not as explosive. The symptoms can be the same as those listed above for panic attacks but are not as intense.
An anxiety attack is not your generalized anxiety. Anxiety is more of a low simmer or background noise that we all feel at times. It’s worry-filled thoughts and feeling “keyed up” – muscle tension, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, general discomfort, sweating, or slightly higher heart rate.
Please do not self-diagnose. This article may help clarify the concerns you have about what you’re experiencing, but if you think you may be having panic or anxiety attacks, it is important to bring your concerns to a doctor or mental health professional who can provide further evaluation and a plan for care.
These answers aren’t comprehensive … They are a start. If you or someone you know needs counseling please call Christian Family Solutions Counseling Care & Services at 800-438-1772.
If you are experiencing a health emergency of any kind, please dial 911.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
