You’ve heard people say they had a panic attack. Other people say they have anxiety attacks. What’s the difference in panic attack vs. anxiety attack? Which one is impacting you? Understanding what’s happening with your mental health is essential. The best course of treatment is to reach out to our team at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center to find the support you need. To learn about our anxiety disorder treatment options, contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center today at 855.746.3633.
What’s the Difference – Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack
Panic attacks are different from anxiety attacks even though these terms are often used interchangeably. While some of the symptoms of them may feel the same, there are a few things to know about a panic attack vs. an anxiety attack. Here’s a look at some.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks occur as a result of overwhelming fear. They tend to happen suddenly, sometimes without much warning. They involve intense feelings and a sense of helplessness. You may feel them too, with a rapid heartbeat, nausea, and shortness of breath. The room may spin. Panic attacks are a recognized symptom of generalized anxiety disorders.
Many times, there is no understood cause present initially, but with attention to what’s happening, it is likely that you will find one. Often, these result from stressors such as triggers or phobias you have. These can occur to anyone at any time, even to people with no previous anxiety symptoms. However, if you have more than one of them, you may have a panic disorder.
Also important, during panic attacks, many people feel intense stress of dying or losing control over what’s happening. They also have a derealization event, in which they feel a sense of detachment from the world around them.
Anxiety Attack
Anxiety attacks are a bit less specific. They are not recognized scientifically as a defining symptom of generalized anxiety disorder. Rather, they can happen with a range of disorders. With an anxiety attack, you have a sense of fear. You’re worried. You generally will feel anxious like this before a big event, or when you know something is going to happen. Most often, they build up over a period of time until they become somewhat out of control.
It’s very common to feel restlessness and distress. You may have the same types of physical reactions – such as rapid heart rates, sweating, and shortness of breath.
What You Can Do About It
At Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center, we know that oftentimes, mental health conditions such as anxiety also coincide with addictions. In such cases, their substance use may make their anxiety or panic worse. As a result, it’s vital to seek out treatment from a specialized dual diagnosis treatment program, such as ours. When you enroll in treatment, we provide you with the tools to appropriately manage your addiction and mental health conditions. If panic or anxiety attacks occur often, our treatment programs can help. We can offer that through our comprehensive treatment options such as:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Mood disorder treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Mental health treatment
- Bipolar treatment program
Seek out help for what’s happening to you. You can see improvement in your overall wellbeing when you do.
Find the Treatment That Can Help – Call Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center Now
Focus on your future. If you’re asking about the difference between a panic attack vs. an anxiety attack, you are struggling with mental health. That’s okay because treatment is available to help you. At Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of treatment options to address your individual needs. Contact us at 855.746.3633 today to learn more.
