Triggers | Panic Attacks | Anxiety Episodes |
---|---|---|
Onset | Often occur without clear triggers | Usually triggered by specific stressors |
Situational | Crowded places, enclosed spaces | Work deadlines, financial worries |
Health-related | Physical sensations mistaken for serious illness | Chronic health conditions, upcoming medical procedures |
Emotional | Intense emotions, trauma reminders | Relationship conflicts, major life changes |
Substance-induced | Caffeine, alcohol, certain medications | Drug withdrawal, medication side effects |
Environmental | Sudden loud noises, bright lights | Prolonged exposure to stressful environments |
Physiological | Hyperventilation, intense exercise | Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes |
Cognitive | Catastrophic thinking, fear of losing control | Excessive worry, rumination |
Symptom | Panic Attack | Anxiety Episode |
---|---|---|
Onset | Sudden, intense | Gradual build-up |
Duration | 5-20 minutes, peak within 10 minutes | Can last hours or days |
Heart rate | Rapid heartbeat, palpitations | Increased heart rate |
Breathing | Shortness of breath, hyperventilation | Rapid breathing |
Chest sensations | Chest pain or discomfort | Chest tightness |
Sweating | Excessive sweating | Mild sweating |
Body temperature | Hot flashes or chills | Generally unchanged |
Dizziness | Severe dizziness, lightheadedness | Mild dizziness |
Nausea | Intense nausea or abdominal distress | Mild stomach discomfort |
Trembling | Severe shaking or trembling | Mild trembling |
Numbness | Numbness or tingling sensations | Uncommon |
Derealization | Feelings of unreality or detachment | Less common |
Emotional Symptom | Panic Attack | Anxiety Episode |
---|---|---|
Fear | Intense fear of dying or losing control | Excessive worry about future events |
Sense of danger | Overwhelming sense of impending doom | Persistent feeling of unease |
Feelings of unreality | Derealization or depersonalization | Less common, may feel "on edge" |
Emotional intensity | Sudden, severe emotional distress | Gradual build-up of emotional tension |
Duration of distress | Short-lived, typically peaks within minutes | Can persist for hours or days |
Focus of concern | Immediate physical sensations and survival | Specific worries about various life situations |
Post-episode feelings | Relief, exhaustion, fear of recurrence | Lingering tension, difficulty relaxing |
Treatment Option | Panic Attacks | Anxiety Episodes |
---|---|---|
Psychotherapy | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy | CBT, Applied Relaxation Therapy |
Medications | SSRIs, Benzodiazepines (short-term) | SSRIs, SNRIs, Buspirone |
Self-help Techniques | Deep breathing exercises, Mindfulness | Relaxation techniques, Stress management |
Lifestyle Changes | Regular exercise, Balanced diet, Avoiding caffeine and alcohol | Regular exercise, Adequate sleep, Stress reduction |
Support Groups | Panic disorder support groups | Anxiety disorder support groups |
Alternative Therapies | Yoga, Meditation | Acupuncture, Herbal supplements (under medical supervision) |