There exists much confusion, even among experts, concerning the words panic and anxiety when it comes to what is commonly referred to as a "panic attack". Is that the same thing as an "anxiety attack"? Are they the same thing? Or is there a difference between panic and anxiety attacks?
A "panic attack" is the inappropriate emergence of the human "fight or flight" response at an inopportune time. Physically, panic attacks are characterized by sweatiness, racing pulse, dizziness, hot flashes, and discoloration of the skin. And these are only the physical attributes. The most oppressive aspect of a panic attack is resident within one's thoughts.
In the midst of one of these attacks, those who suffer from them claim to experience a sense of sheer terror beyond anything which they've previously felt. During an episode, many insist they are going to die even though all the objective facts point to them being completely fine and safe. These feelings aptly prompt the word usage of both "panic" and "anxiety". The pathology as described above is correctly described as either a panic attack, or an anxiety attack.
However, the word "anxiety" is also present within another disorder which is a wholly different animal from a panic attack. Societal Anxiety Disorder, which goes by the apt acronym of SAD, is a disorder where sufferers are afraid to engage in any social situation. This can be as simple as shaking a stranger's hand all the way up to fear of public speaking.
Also, "anxiety" is often used to describe a more attenuated version of panic. Whereas panic can be said to be a full boil, anxiety can be said to be a slow simmer. A panic attack most often fully freezes those it afflicts. One is not functional in the midst of a full fledged panic attack.
However, a sense of "anxiety" can be resident while still allowing one to go about the activities of everyday life. Granted, this underlying persistent anxious feeling is far from a positive one. However, it is not debilitating to the degree of a panic attack and sufferers from general anxiety are often able to hide it from those around them.
This is not to say general anxiety is harmless. It has been long established that anxiety and stress can contribute to a diverse palate of undesirable maladies. It can be just as important to treat chronic general anxiety as it is to address outright panic attacks. Many treatments are actually applicable to both.
So, remember that SAD is not a panic attack. Anxiety is a more tame version of panic. When it comes to an "attack", both words are general interchangeable before it. It may seem like extreme parsing of words, but it is helpful to understand the difference between panic and anxiety attacks.
Related Articles
Tips for Panic Attacks You Can Use
By: Adam Hefner | 30/04/2008 | Health
Those fortunate enough never to have experienced one are hard pressed to imagine the feeling of sheer terror and dread associated with panic and anxiety attacks. These episodes prove highly disruptive to everyday life and can impact both family and work relationships.
Quick Guide to Overcoming Panic Attacks
By: Adam Hefner | 30/04/2008 | Health
If you have ever experienced one you'll agree that it quite possibly is the most terrifying thing one can face. We're not talking about watching an especially scary horror movie. Nor are we discussing the latest wild roller coaster. It is much worse.
Learn to Recognize Panic Attack Symptoms
By: Adam Hefner | 02/05/2008 | Health
Many people confuse an illness with a symptom. Symptoms are the physical (or mental) manifestations of an underlying disease or disorder. Health care professionals analyze given symptoms to help make the correct diagnosis.
Treating Anxiety Attacks Can Change Your Life
By: Adam Hefner | 08/05/2008 | Health
Many who suffer from panic and anxiety attacks have given up hope finding any salvation. Some studies have shown that a majority of those who suffer from panic and anxiety attacks have given up trying to find a way to regain life without them.
Quick Info on Stress Management
By: Adam Hefner | 08/05/2008 | Health
Stress, unfortunately, has become an omnipresent part of life today in modern America. Whether it comes out of interpersonal relationships or arises on the job, stress works itself into all of our existences.
How Does Stress Effect Health and Wellness
By: Adam Hefner | 15/05/2008 | Health
It can start early in the morning when you get stuck in rush hour traffic. It only becomes exacerbated at work. Then back home at night dealing with your children's travails of the day. It is stress.
Don't Put 13 Entries on Your List of Phobias
By: Adam Hefner | 15/05/2008 | Health
The list of phobias suffered by humans is as varied as we are as people. Many, like fear of snakes (ophidiophobia) are well grounded and serve us good purpose.
What are Some Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Stress?
By: Adam Hefner | 29/04/2008 | Health
It can arise from personal relationships, from career pressures, or just from everyday life events like slogging through the morning commute. To one degree or another, all of us experience stress.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I have had a normal stress thallium ...
By: Angela | 15-08-2008
I have had a normal stress thallium, echocardiogram, catheterization and still get chest pain?. I also have reflux and a multinodular goiter. Anyone out there with similar issues?
Back top of thigh pain
By: mof29212 | 14-08-2008
back pain which goes around to top of thigh. MRI of lower back and hip showed nothing. Been through ptherapy. do have arthritis. Bloodwork ok sed rate 15. what is wrong? where do I go from here? desperate for answers
Ribcage hurting
By: Costco47 | 30-07-2008
Hello Guys. For a Wile now my left ribcage has been hurting it feels like a soarness and there is a bump where my lower ribcage is. What do i do? i am going to go to the doctor but what else can i do?
I have a nuclear stress test (non exercise ...
By: Beverly | 22-07-2008
I have a nuclear stress test (non exercise) scheduled for 7:30 in the morning and just realized that I misread the instructions and drank a glass of caffiene tea at 4pm today. What will this do to my test or to me? HELP! I feel stupid and scared.
Need to find this person ASAP
By: GAME57 | 20-07-2008
Anyone at all out there know Michele Gotti (she may also use Tanner). I met her head over heels for her then pieces of our past real name begin coming out. Like her ex bf are being investigated by feds and cops.
Isn't there a law against employers of constant ...
By: Bennycat | 16-07-2008
Isn't there a law against employers of constant verbal harassment onthe job infornt of coworkers ?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
The Dreaded Back Pain
By: Mandy Chagger | 06/09/2008
The most dreaded back pain is lower back pain, which could be a symptom of various complications in the abdomen area.
Stress - Types, Causes and Cures (part Three)
By: Andrew Tomkinson | 06/09/2008
This article is part one of my article series 'Stress - types, causes and cures'. It is written in order to introduce you to the types and causes of stress and suggest possible cures.
What are Toxins and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
By: James Carden | 06/09/2008
Toxins are an integral part of our everyday lives. Pollution, pesticides, cigarettes, bad water and harmful cleaning products are only a few of the different sources of toxins that can cause our bodies to malfunction and that we come in contact with on a daily basis.
Sun Damage Prevention
By: John Russell | 06/09/2008
In our continuing efforts to maintain youthful skin, we cannot neglect what may be the one true beauty secret. Effective protection from the sun can prevent damage to the skin. Even without actual sunburn, exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, and other generally weathering effects.
What Makes Smoke Inhalation Dangerous
By: Rachel Yoshida | 06/09/2008
Most would agree that it is not natural, but what really happens when smoke is inhaled?
Dealing With Menstrual Flooding
By: Rachel Yoshida | 06/09/2008
It is not a popular subject,but there are many that needs this information if you are having trouble in this area.
Treatments And Medications for ADHD
By: Paul Hata | 06/09/2008
There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. It is been found out in various studies that 70% to 80% children are benefited by the stimulant drugs.
How to Prevent Stomach Ache and Abdominal Pain
By: Robert Sifer | 05/09/2008
For stomachache in children, parents should notice habits and symptoms of their children. For adults, they also should notice themselves which food that they consume always cause stomach pain to them and try not to eat those food.
More from Adam Hefner
Horizon Treadmills - Best Buy of the Year
By: Adam Hefner | 05/09/2008 | Fitness
Horizon Treadmills are very popular and they are one of the top selling brands of treadmills in the market today. The treadmills are manufactured by Johnson, who also makes Vision Fitness. They are priced from $600 - $2,100.
Used Treadmills for Sale Just Saved You Tons!
By: Adam Hefner | 05/09/2008 | Fitness
Every time you open the newspaper there are hundreds of advertisements for used treadmills for sale. You can find them at flea markets and garage sales, basically anywhere used goods are sold. But are they a good deal?
Steps on Finding Treadmills for Cheap
By: Adam Hefner | 04/09/2008 | Nutrition
Have you been looking at treadmills for cheap prices? Are you considering purchasing one? If so you need to do your homework and consider all your options.
Find Great Deals With a Remanufactured Treadmill
By: Adam Hefner | 03/09/2008 | Fitness
When you are thinking about purchasing a treadmill you should consider a remanufactured treadmill. Buying a remanufactured treadmill can save you a lot of money when compared to purchasing the same treadmill new.
Finding Reviews of Treadmills Before You Buy
By: Adam Hefner | 02/09/2008 | Fitness
If you are considering purchasing a treadmill in the near future, reading reviews of treadmills can be quite helpful. From a reviews of different treadmills you can learn about the features of specific treadmills as well as other important information. Reviews of treadmills can also save you a lot of time comparing models.
Exclusive Beny Treadmill at the Top of Fitness Game
By: Adam Hefner | 02/09/2008 | Fitness
A Beny Treadmill is an affordable choice of exercise equipment that you can easily purchase for yourself. It is manufactured by a reputable brand of exercise equipment, native to the United Kingdom.
Guide to Finding Cheap Treadmills for Sale
By: Adam Hefner | 02/09/2008 | Fitness
It seems like you can find cheap treadmills for sale almost everywhere. The newspaper, online, at your local discount stores, and even at the mall.
Treadmill Prices That Will Dazzle Your Wallet
By: Adam Hefner | 28/08/2008 | Fitness
If you've got to do aerobic exercise, there's no place better to do it than on your home treadmill. You can avoid the weather and exercise in privacy and comfort.
Health 
