Is a Panic Attack the Same as Anxiety?
Panic is not the same as anxiety, although people who have anxiety can have panic attacks. The most common anxiety disorder associated with Panic Disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. GAD affects more then 6 million people in the United States. It affects more women then men and can occur at anytime during a lifespan. Some people function better with a good dose of normal anxiety, it can enhance their function, motivation, and productivity, making them good candidates for working well under pressure. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience excessive anxiety, which is chronic, and typically interferes with their ability to function in their day to day routines.
Panic Attacks are Not the Same
A panic attack is unmistakably different from anxiety. The physical sensations of your mind and body are horrible, you think you are going to die. You feel as if something really bad is happening and you have no control. You could say a panic attack is a state of extreme anxiety. The feelings about retuning to the place where you had the attack will cause anxiety.
Being nervous before an exam or test is normal anxiety, and those feelings are brief. Every one of us gets a little anxious sometimes and that kind of anxiety is actually supposed to improve our performance as we become more alert. Anxiety does play a part in panic disorder because once you have had a panic attack you will likely experience anxiety concerning why and where the panic attack occurred.
Panic Attacks are a Biochemical Change in your Brain Chemistry
Some professionals say that panic attacks have something to do with a fearful or catastrophic event from your past, others say it is a genetic disorder. It may be those things but is definitely a biochemical change in your brain chemistry, it does not matter where it came from, and you want it gone. The words anxiety attack and panic attack are mistakenly used as synonyms.
An anxiety attack will result from some kind of stressor. For example, someone is trying to break into your neighbor’s house, your hear rate goes up, you may feel short of breath. You dial the police and the robber runs away. All your symptoms disappear when the stressor is gone. A panic attack does not come from any notable stressor. It is unpredictable; you never know when you are going to have one.
The Symptoms Differ for Panic Attacks and Anxiety
The symptoms are different for a panic attack. A panic attack brings on extreme fear and terror, you feel as though you are going to have a heart attack. Panic attacks come with physical symptoms such as shakiness, difficulty breathing, racing heart, and feelings of loss of control. You are so scared you need to leave the place immediately. The symptoms of a panic disorder will not completely resolve for about a half hour or longer.
Will I develop Agoraphobia from Panic Attacks?
People that have panic attacks develop anticipatory anxiety. They fear going back to where they had the attack because it could happen again. This can become paralyzing for people. Some people develop agoraphobia, which is the fear of leaving your home completely. This is the reason you need to seek help for this disorder.
If you think you have panic attacks or are always extremely nervous and it interferes with your life, you should see a physician and get advice and treatment.
The above information is based on my real experience and online research. Please see your family doctor before beginning any new treatment or medications.
