Anxiety vs Panic Attack

There are a couple major differences between anxiety vs panic attack. In most cases panic attacks typically occur without an easily identifiable trigger. They are often intense and come on unexpectedly. Whereas, anxiety or anxiety attacks tend to be triggered by a stressor or threat.

Although there are often overlapping symptoms. Some symptoms are physical, some emotional. Panic attacks seem to show up out of the blue and seemingly for no apparent reason.

Several links have been observed between heredity, medications and substance abuse in both sudden onset panic attacks and anxiety episodes.

Common Panic Attack and Anxiety Causes

• Depression
• Hereditary
• Physical or emotional trauma
• Medication
• Low self esteem
• Setting unrealistic expectations
• Common Anxiety Attack Causes
• Work related pressures
• Caffeine
• Medications
• Substance withdrawals
• Physical or emotional pain
• Social pressures
• Relationship tension
• Confrontation

Common Panic Attack Symptoms

• Racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in chest
• Shaking or trembling
• Sweating
• Fainting

Common Anxiety Attack Symptoms

• Dry mouth
• Irritable
• Sleeplessness
• Rapid heath rate
• Sweating
• Fear
• Easily startled

When comparing anxiety vs panic attack the most notable difference tends to be the unpredictability of panic attacks over anxiety attacks and their intensity.