Anxiety and panic attacks have similar symptoms, but there are key differences, such as the intensity of symptoms, how long they last, and the most effective treatments.
Panic attacks involve feelings of anxiety — but unlike typical anxiety, a panic attack is a sudden, short burst of intense physical and mental symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and a sense of impending doom.
While panic attacks are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), the term “anxiety attack” has no formal definition. People may use the term anxiety attack when reporting a panic attack.
If you’re managing panic and anxiety, know you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition, affecting almost 30% of adults. Effective treatments are available, including talk therapy and medication.
Key differences between anxiety and panic attacks
Anxiety can make you feel worried and fearful even when there’s nothing dangerous happening. Anxiety is a major component of panic attacks, but they’re not the same thing.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. People with panic disorder have panic attacks regularly and fear them arising. Anxiety and panic attacks are closely related and share many of the same symptoms.
A panic attack is when you suddenly feel overwhelmed and out of control. During a panic attack, you may be consumed with anxiety and fear. Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes.
Some people describe panic attacks as a sudden increase in anxiety, with noticeable physical symptoms. A panic attack may or may not have a known cause.
If you live with an anxiety disorder, you might experience panic attacks when you encounter a situation that activates your anxiety, such as specific phobias or social anxiety disorder. If you live with generalized anxiety disorder, you experience anxiety — and possibly panic attacks — frequently and in several areas of your life.
100% online care
Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.
Anxiety shows up differently in different people. When you feel anxious, you might notice some of the following symptoms:
excessive worry
restlessness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
fatigue
feeling irritable
headaches or muscle aches
stomach pain or nausea
trouble swallowing
trembling or twitching
sweating
lightheadedness
shortness of breath
urinating more often
Symptoms of a panic attack
Panic attacks are intense bursts of anxiety symptoms. Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
feeling out of control
a sense of impending doom
a pounding or racing heartbeat
sweating or chills
trembling
trouble breathing
stomach pain or nausea
feeling weak or dizzy
chest pain
tingling or numbness in hands
What else could it be?
Other conditions share symptoms with anxiety and panic attacks. If you’re unsure of what’s causing your symptoms, it’s best to speak with a doctor.
Heart attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, is when the heart doesn’t get enough blood. This can damage the heart muscle.
A heart attack is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
chest pain
shortness of breath
lightheadedness
weakness
feeling faint
pain in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number to seek immediate medical care.
Mania
A manic episode is one feature of a group of mood disorders called bipolar disorders. If you are experiencing mania, you may have some of the same physical or emotional symptoms as anxiety or panic.
Symptoms of mania include:
feeling elated or irritable
feeling “jumpy,” “wired,” or more active
needing less sleep
racing thoughts
feeling powerful or important, known as grandiosity
Many factors can cause low blood sugar, including taking too much insulin. If you have low blood sugar, it’s important to bring it back into a typical range.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
irritability
confusion
sweating
shaking
rapid heartbeat
dizziness
hunger
feeling nervous or anxious
If your blood sugar gets very low, you may have more serious symptoms, such as:
weakness
problems walking or seeing
acting strange
seizures
Best treatments for panic and anxiety
If you experience anxiety or panic attacks, you may receive a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Treatment for both conditions usually involves therapy, medications, or both.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy. It helps people with anxiety or panic attacks learn new ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the feelings that come with these conditions.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a form of CBT that treats panic disorder. It involves confronting what causes your panic in a safe, controlled way to help you stop avoiding objects or situations. During exposure therapy, you may also learn relaxation techniques.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy is an alternative to CBT for people with anxiety. It focuses on mindfulness and goal setting to reduce feelings of anxiety.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% off prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names to see how much you may be able to save on that medication or search for a specific drug here.
Anti-anxiety medications
Anti-anxiety medications include a group of medications called benzodiazepines. Doctors may prescribe them for both generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Beta-blocker medications may be prescribed for panic disorder. They treat heart symptoms and conditions, such as rapid heart rate.
Propranolol (Inderal) is a common beta-blocker for anxiety.
If you need help covering the cost of anxiety medications, the Optum Perks free Discount Card could help you get up to 80% off prescription medication. See how much you can save on your medication here.
Summary
Anxiety and panic attacks are closely related. Many people with anxiety disorders experience panic attacks — especially those with panic disorder. Panic attacks are brief, intense periods of anxiety.
Treatment for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder involves talk therapy and medications. Symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack can also mirror those of other conditions, such as heart attack, manic episodes, and low blood sugar.
When in doubt, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or therapist.