Everyone experiences certain levels of stress in their lives, but some people are affected by stress in ways that significantly affect their social and work lives. Although the terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, it is crucial to understand the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. If you are worried that someone you love is struggling with anxiety or a panic disorder, an anxiety treatment center may be able to help.
At Crestview Recovery, our team is standing by to provide anxiety treatment to help you learn, among other things, what to do during an anxiety attack. We recognize that it can be difficult to figure out a panic attack vs. anxiety attack, so our comprehensive treatment programs will give you the tools you need to enhance your quality of life. Find out more about how our team can help you or a loved one learn how to deal with a panic attack or anxiety attack by calling 866.262.0531 or completing our online contact form.
Panic Attack
A panic attack involves acute fear that seems to come out of nowhere. You may feel detached or paralyzed with fear during a panic attack. Fear of dying, nuclear war, and losing control are common. You may feel disconnected from the world around you. A panic attack triggers fear-based physical reactions without the presence of immediate danger.
Anxiety Attack
An anxiety attack involves a gradual onset of stress relating to a specific event. This stress eventually builds to unmanageable levels and generally lasts around thirty minutes. At the beginning of an anxiety attack, the patient usually has some indication that they will experience an anxiety attack.
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack
Both panic attacks and anxiety attacks cause many distressing physical symptoms such as:
- Feeling frozen and unable to move
- Increased heart rate, shaking, or trembling
- Sweating and chills
- Dry mouth
- Tingling feeling in the extremities
- Nausea or other stomach problems
- Headache and dizziness
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
In addition to the physical symptoms, people with anxiety or panic attacks also have fear. If you struggle with these symptoms, reach out to a mental health treatment center, such as Crestview Recovery.
Panic or Anxiety?
One of the main differences between an anxiety attack and a panic attack is its onset. An anxiety attack is a gradual increase in stress resulting from a specific stressful situation. Panic attacks, on the other hand, are spontaneous. Some studies suggest that precursors to panic attacks are often present but ignored by the patient.
The main difference is when you have an anxiety attack, it’s always related to something you have been worried or apprehensive about. For example, you may have been anxious about an upcoming medical procedure. As the day gets closer to the appointment, anxiety worsens until an attack occurs. This anxiety attack is clearly linked to your worry about the appointment. However, with a panic attack, there is no forewarning or worry on your mind. The panic comes out of nowhere. Some of the emotional symptoms of a panic attack that you won’t have with an anxiety attack include fear of dying and feeling detached from yourself or the situation.
Whether you have anxiety attacks or panic attacks, treatment with a qualified professional at Crestview Recovery can help ease symptoms. In our comprehensive programs, including panic attack treatment, you will learn strategies to calm yourself down at the moment and prepare you to deal with panic and anxiety attacks in the future.
Crestview Recovery’s Therapy Programs
At Crestview Recovery, our caring and compassionate staff is ready to help you on your journey to a brighter future. At our tranquil and lovely facility, you will find a serene atmosphere conducive to setting you on the path of hope. Trained clinicians will walk beside you while you journey to a new life filled with health and wholeness. We use evidence-based therapies, so you are sure to see results. Additionally, we offer a broad range of therapy options, some of which include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Holistic therapy services
Choose Crestview Recovery for Anxiety Treatment in Portland, OR
When considering a panic attack vs. anxiety attack, professional treatment is often the best answer. At Crestview Recovery, our team has years of experience helping people learn not only what to do during an anxiety attack but also how to manage their anxiety, so a panic or anxiety attack doesn’t happen. Our team understands how panic or anxiety can derail a person’s life, so our programs and services are designed to provide relief for people who are ready to leave panic and anxiety behind. Learn more about how our Crestview Recovery team can help you or someone you care about get back on the right track by calling 866.262.0531 or completing our convenient online form. Today is the day that you can take control of your anxiety. Reach out to Crestview Recovery today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
