Panic attacks tend to occur most often
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The contrast between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is incredibly nuanced, and in most cases, negligible. To begin, what defines an anxiety attack is subjective because the term anxiety attack is not mentioned – much less, outlined – in the DSM-5. On the other hand, the term panic attack is recognized and described in the DSM-5 as a diagnostic criteria of Panic Disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Over 36 million (~11%) Americans experience panic attacks each year, and about 2-3% of those go on to develop panic disorder. Panic attacks affect individuals of all ages and genders, but some populations have an increased risk of experiencing panic attacks. They typically first occur in teenage or young adult years, and women (3.8%) are more than twice as likely than men (1.6%) to develop panic disorder. Finally, an estimated 4.7% – about 155 million – Americans will experience panic disorder at some point in their lives. As described later, panic disorder is characterized by experiencing recurrent and persistent panic attacks, meaning the estimated number of Americans who will experience panic attacks – just not to the degree diagnosis requires – is likely much higher than 155 million. Show What is an anxiety attack?For all intents and purposes, the terms anxiety attack and panic attack can be used interchangeably to describe the same event. Anxiety attacks are not formally recognized by the DSM-5, but if we think about anxiety attacks as experiencing an overwhelming amount of anxiety at a particular moment, we can see how an apt description of the event would be a panic attack. Therefore, a more straight-forward distinction can perhaps be made between experiencing anxiety and having a full-blown panic attack/anxiety attack. Anxiety is a symptom of panic attacks, but is different from the attack itself. Anxiety is characterized by incessant worry and fear of certain situations, spaces, etc., and typically has a more anticipatory nature than panic itself. Anxiety can persist at varying levels for long periods of time (days, weeks, etc.) and may persistently interfere with an individual’s daily activities and responsibilities. One of the simplest distinctions between anxiety and a panic attack is that anxiety is typically caused by an easily-identifiable trigger, such as crowded spaces, an upcoming presentation, or a health issue. Although anxiety can have emotional and physical symptoms, it is generally regarded as less severe than panic attacks. While those feeling physical symptoms of anxiety will experience discomfort, the compounding effects often cause those experiencing a panic attack to believe they could actually die from their symptoms. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
As previously mentioned, anxiety is typically triggered by an identifiable stressor and/or is accentuated by past experiences. Common stressors that cause or increase one’s risk of experiencing anxiety are:
What is a panic attack?The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines a panic attack as, “a sudden onset of intense apprehension and fearfulness in the absence of actual danger, accompanied by the presence of such physical symptoms as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, sweating, and dizziness.” It also notes that panic attacks occur in discrete periods of time and often involve fears of going insane, losing control, or dying. Panic attacks can further be described as recurrent (cued) or unexpected (uncued). Recurrent (cued) panic attacks occur almost invariably upon exposure to a specific situation trigger. Unexpected (uncued) panic attacks occur spontaneously and without a specific situational trigger. In terms of diagnosis, panic attacks are most associated with panic disorder. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected, repeated panic attacks that are associated with (a) persistent concerns of having another attack, (b) worry about the possible consequences of having another attack, and/or (c) significant change in behavior related to the attacks. Further diagnostic criteria of panic disorder include:
Aside from panic disorder itself, panic attacks tend to occur most often in the context of the other DSM-5-classified anxiety disorders, as well as in mood disorders and substance-related disorders. While anxiety can last long periods of time since there tends to be a gradual build up of worry then continuation, the onset and duration of panic attacks tends to be relatively short. The DSM-5 describes a panic attack as an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches peak within minutes and during which time four or more of the following symptoms occur:
Heart attack vs. panic attackAfter reviewing the symptoms of a panic attack, you may have noticed they resemble the physical signs of a heart attack. For this reason, it is not uncommon for individuals experiencing a panic attack to believe they are having a heart attack and that their life is in danger. Despite the similarities in the way they present themselves, heart attacks and panic attacks result from very different physiological processes. Heart attacks result from a lack of blood flow – and therefore, oxygen – reaching the heart, while panic attacks arise when stress hormones activate the body’s stress response (“fight or flight”). Therefore, one of the first characteristics that could be used to distinguish the two conditions is that heart attacks are more likely to develop during physical exertion, when the heart’s workload increases, whereas a panic attack can occur at rest. Another key difference is duration. The onset and duration of panic attacks tends to be under 30 minutes, while heart attacks will often continue and may worsen over time. Lastly, a common sign of a heart attack that is not present in panic attacks is pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw, or shoulder blades. Of course, these distinctions are not always present and may be difficult to recognize under pressure. If there are any questions, you should always seek immediate medical attention. How to calm down from a panic attackKeeping a focused mind that is capable of self-soothing techniques is not easy during a panic attack. However, doing your best to practice even just one technique during a panic attack could significantly aid you in regaining control of your body’s stress response.
How often do most people have panic attacks?Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week. Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one.
What is the most common reason for panic attacks?Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one. A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident. Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby. Smoking or excessive caffeine intake.
Do panic attacks happen frequently?Panic attacks can occur at any time. Many people with panic disorder worry about the possibility of having another attack and may significantly change their life to avoid having another attack. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year.
Who is more likely to have panic attacks?Panic disorder is nearly 2 times more common in women than in men. Women are also more likely to have it with agoraphobia. It is most likely to appear in those 20 to 29 years old. But, it can start as early as the teen years or as late as 30 to 40 years old.
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