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Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack

Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack

You may have heard people use the term panic attack vs anxiety attack to refer to the same experience. However, there are key differences that set them apart. Knowing the difference between panic and anxiety attacks can help you get the right treatment if you suffer from either regularly.
If you would like to find out more about the difference and what treatment options are available, such as psychotherapy in Mahanoy City PA, then contact Silver Pines Treatment Center. We can help you identify which problem you have and discuss what treatment is best for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack

While some of the symptoms of an anxiety attack vs panic attack do overlap somewhat, there are some distinguishing features of each that you can look out for. These features may include:

Panic Attack

  • Pounding heartbeat
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Sudden chills or hot flashes
  • Tingling in the arms or legs
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Stomach problems such as nausea or sharp pain
woman doesn't know the difference between a panic attack vs anxiety attack

Anxiety Attack

  • Tightness or pain in the chest
  • Dry mouth or feeling hydrated
  • Fear or paranoia mixed with agitation
  • Sudden spasms or pain in your muscles
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Feeling like someone is choking or smothering you
There are other symptoms that both have in common such as loss of concentration, an overall feeling that something is wrong, inability to sleep or function, and an intense amount of worry or distress. Both a panic attack vs anxiety attack can wear you out and make you feel tired once the episode is over. Silver Pines offers anxiety treatment to help you overcome these symptoms.

What Causes a Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack?

Anyone who suffers from an attack can tell you that nothing has to trigger it. Sometimes these attacks can come on without warning and then disappear as fast as they came. However, there is generally some underlying factor that is connected to the attack. Some of the most common causes of panic attacks or anxiety attacks include:
  • A tremendous amount of stress at work
  • Problems in your relationships
  • Nicotine, caffeine, drug, or alcohol addiction
  • Body chemistry or chemical imbalance
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Phobias or high level of fear – real or imagined

What Types of Treatment Are Available?

Substance abuse can both trigger panic attacks or anxiety and get worse because of either. You may drink alcohol to self-medicate or calm down after an attack. Likewise, your drug addiction may be causing you to have more anxiety.
Dual-diagnosis treatment is available for both anxiety and panic attacks. You can meet with a therapist to discuss dual-diagnosis treatment for both your anxiety/panic and your drug or alcohol addiction. By getting the right treatment, you can address both issues and overcome the symptoms. To find out more about what treatment is available for panic attack vs anxiety attack, call Silver Pines Treatment Center at 267.719.8689 .

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