Panic Attack versus Anxiety Attack: What's the Difference?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illness in the United States. And anxiety is even more common in people with HIV. One out of 5 people with HIV has severe daily anxiety. Compare that to 1 out of more than 30 people in the general population. Stigma, poverty, and unstable housing could play a role in why so many people with HIV also have anxiety.^1-2

Constant stress and worry can lead to panic or anxiety attacks. Symptoms of anxiety and a panic attack are similar. It can be hard to tell what is happening to your body. Knowing the differences can help you identify triggers and symptoms.^3-4

Anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety and panic attacks activate the nervous system. They cause physical and emotional symptoms. Some people will call a panic attack an anxiety attack or label their anxiety a panic attack. But anxiety and panic are different responses. They are triggered in different ways.^3-4

Anxiety

Anxiety happens to everyone. It is a reaction to anticipating stressful situations. Anxiety can cause physical changes to your heart rate and blood pressure. It is a feeling of:3-5

• Stress
• Worry
• Uneasiness
• Dread

Anxiety attack

“Anxiety attack” is not a clinical term. Anxiety usually builds up gradually. Most people use “anxiety attack” to describe when stress hits a breaking point. It can happen when worrying about a future event or outcome.3-5

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety disrupts everyday life. With an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away. It can get worse over time. People with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can fixate on everyday situations. People with an anxiety disorder may have trouble controlling their emotions.3-6

Panic attacks

Panic attacks are sudden and intense episodes of fear and anxiety. The body’s fight-or-flight response takes over. Fight-or-flight is the body’s strong physical response to danger or perceived danger. Physical symptoms can be intense.^3-5,7

Something can trigger a panic attack. Or they can happen for no reason. Panic attacks typically last less than 30 minutes.^3-5,7

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. People with panic disorder have repeated panic attacks.^3,5,7

What causes an anxiety disorder?

Doctors do not fully understand what causes an anxiety disorder. For some, an underlying medical issue can be the cause. Family history can play a role. Built-up stress or a traumatic event can trigger an anxiety disorder.^5,8

What causes a panic attack?

Experts do not know the exact cause of panic attacks. A sudden dangerous or stressful event can trigger them. Or you can have an intense reaction to an ordinary situation. You are at higher risk of a panic attack if you have a family history of mental illness or substance abuse.⁷

Symptoms of anxiety

People with GAD worry most days for at least 6 months. That fear is disruptive. The stress can be about a variety of things, like family, work, or money.^5-6,8

Symptoms of anxiety can include:^6,8

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Feeling a sense of danger or panic
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Heavy breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive problems
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble focusing on anything besides the current worry
• Wanting to avoid certain situations

Symptoms of a panic attack

A panic attack happens suddenly. After it starts, there is no way to stop a panic attack. Symptoms are usually most intense, about 10 minutes into an attack.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:^3,7

• Faster than usual heart rate
• Chest pain or tightness
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Trouble breathing
• Feelings of choking or suffocation
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chills or overheating
• Fear that you are dying
• Numbness or tingling
• Feelings of terror

Talking to your doctor about anxiety and panic attacks

Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack. Your doctor may want to run some tests. That way, they can make sure another medical condition is not causing your symptoms.^3,6,7

Your doctor may offer mental health treatment options. They might refer you to a mental health professional, such as a counselor. A counselor can help you learn coping strategies. Learning to identify triggers can help you avoid episodes of anxiety and panic.^3,6,7