What Is the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack
Understanding the Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Support
Many people use the terms panic attack and anxiety attack interchangably. Both can be overwhelming, both can make you feel out of control and both can interfere with daily life. But they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you find the right support.
High Focus Centers PA works with teens and adults who experience both types of attacks. This guide explains what sets them apart and includes real, common descriptions of what these episodes feel like for many people.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
An anxiety attack usually builds slowly. It often starts as worry, tension or a sense of being overloaded. Anxiety attacks are often tied to specific stressors like work deadlines, arguments, finances or health concerns.
Many people describe an anxiety attack as:
- “My thoughts would not stop racing.”
- “I felt like I was carrying a heavy weight on my chest.”
- “Everything felt too loud, too fast and too much at once.”
- “I was anxious all day and could not calm down.”
During an anxiety attack, symptoms may include:
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble concentrating
- Stomach issues
- Trouble sleeping
Anxiety attacks can last for a long time because they are connected to ongoing stress.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is sudden and intense. It often happens without warning. Even people who have had several panic attacks describe each one as terrifying because of how physical the experience is.
People often say a panic attack feels like:
- “It hit me out of nowhere.”
- “I thought I was having a heart attack.”
- “I could not catch my breath.”
- “I felt like I was going to faint or die.”
- “My body felt like it was shutting down.”
- “I felt disconnected from everything around me.”
Panic attacks typically peak within minutes and may include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest tightness
- Sweating or shaking
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty breathing
- A sense of doom
- Feeling out of your body or disconnected
Even though panic attacks pass, they often leave people exhausted and fearful of the next one.
The Key Differences
Here’s how anxiety attacks and panic attacks differ:
Anxiety attack
- Gradual buildup
- Triggered by stress
- Long-lasting
- Emotional and mental discomfort
Panic attack
- Sudden onset
- May have no trigger
- Intense and physical
- Feels like danger is happening right now
Many people experience both at different times, which is why professional support can make such a meaningful difference.
Why These Attacks Happen
Anxiety attacks usually come from long-term stress, perfectionism, overthinking or trying to manage too much alone. When the mind feels overwhelmed for too long, the body reacts.
Panic attacks often come from a sudden surge of adrenaline or the body misreading a situation as dangerous. Trauma history, major life changes, chronic stress or health anxiety can contribute. No matter the cause, both are signs that your mind and body need support.
When It’s Time to Seek Help
If panic or anxiety attacks are affecting your health, job performance, relationships or sense of normalcy, it may be time to reach out.
Consider outpatient support if you are:
- Avoiding social situations
- Afraid of having another attack
- Struggling to sleep
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Using substances to calm down
- Unable to relax even on good days
With the right care, panic and anxiety attacks are both treatable.
How Outpatient Treatment Helps at High Focus Centers PA
Outpatient treatment offers structure, support and skill building without requiring you to step away from your daily responsibilities. Many teens and adults benefit from the flexibility and consistency outpatient care provides.
At High Focus Centers PA, clients learn:
- How to identify early symptoms
- How to stop attacks from escalating
- What grounding tools work best for their body
- How to regulate the nervous system
- How to challenge fear-based thoughts
- How to manage stress more effectively
- How to prevent avoidance from taking over
The goal is not just to reduce the attacks but to help you feel safe and confident in your own body again.
You Are Not Alone
Whether your symptoms build slowly or strike out of nowhere, both panic and anxiety attacks can be frightening. But they are highly treatable. With the right support, you can understand what your body is trying to tell you, reduce the attacks over time and build a life that feels steadier and more manageable.
High Focus Centers PA is here to help you take that next step whenever you are ready.
