Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are not the same- although people sometimes use them interchangeably. “What’s the Difference” is a new series for HML that will discover the actual difference between many words or phrases that we use.
So, what’s a “panic attack” as defined by clinical psychiatrists?
And an “anxiety attack”?
PANIC ATTACK
- Usually occurs unexpectedly
- Sudden and extremely disruptive
- More intense physical symptoms
- Triggered by body’s “flight or fight” response
ANXIETY ATTACK
- Usually has specific triggers
- Builds in intensity
- Can be mild, moderate or severe
- Focused on specific stressors
