Whats the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?

[Pickle165]

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Well this made me think as when I am having an attack i call them either , suppose though it maybe anxiety attack is when you are anxious & eventually through your anxiety you have an anxiety attack & maybe panic attack is when something all of a sudden panics you & you have a panic attack ...seems that could be the difference , maybe someone might come along later with a better explanation , but good question Sam

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[bumblebee01]

For me, a Panic attack is the "normal one" I may have a hard week at work, and on the sunday I'll start getting the symptoms (pins and needles shallow breathing) and then i'll have a totally normal, stress induced panic attack. It's like a release of all the weeks hardships. It's still unpleasant and makes me very tired after but it does put my head back on straight.

An anxiety attack for me, is I can be happy, not stressed, anywhere, doing anything, and suddenly become irrationally terrified of the thing I'm doing, and never have had a fear of it before. Theres no hyperventilating or numbness of limbs, just I freak out and try to hide, or run or escape and it takes alot of people to calm me down.

Happened on a train once, never had a problem with trains, I was watching the world go by, when my head poses the thought, wow trains go fast. BAM my whole conciousness goes and I am crying and telling my boyfriend to get me off the train or cover the windows or make them stop. He had to force me to concentrate on a game on his games console to restore normality.

But remember, i think it really is down to the individual, I think we all have completely different takes on this stuff.

[karenx]

Well i learnt about this at the mood management sessions i was sent to by the doctor.

The anxiety is the general feel of unease and worry. The shaking and stuttering (obviously different for each person) .

A panic attack is the sudden feeling of being about to die. Can't breath, stand, talk or think suddenly.

The anxiety can turn into panic in a sort of circle because you can NOT see any logic in why your worring and you start to worry about worrying.

I know this doesnt really make much sense but hope this helps a bit x