Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: What’s the Difference?

People often use the terms panic attack and anxiety attack interchangeably — but they are not the same experience. While both can feel terrifying and overwhelming, they differ in intensity, duration, triggers, and how the nervous system responds.

At Full Circle Counseling & Wellness, many clients come in unsure of what they’re experiencing. They may say:

• “I thought I was having a heart attack.”

• “It came out of nowhere.”

• “I feel anxious all the time — but sometimes it spikes into something unbearable.”

• “I’m afraid it will happen again.”

Understanding the difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks can reduce fear, increase clarity, and guide the right kind of support.

Why This Distinction Matters

When people don’t understand what’s happening in their body, fear increases — and fear fuels both panic and anxiety. Knowing what you’re experiencing helps:

• reduce catastrophic thinking

• normalize symptoms

• choose effective coping tools

• seek appropriate treatment

Education is often the first step toward relief.

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks are gradual increases in anxiety that build over time. They are often linked to ongoing stress, worry, or specific situations.

Common Characteristics of Anxiety Attacks

• build slowly

• triggered by stress or worry

• symptoms increase gradually

• often last longer

• may fluctuate in intensity

Common Symptoms

• racing thoughts

• muscle tension

• restlessness

• irritability

• difficulty concentrating

• stomach discomfort

• fatigue

• feeling “on edge”

Anxiety attacks are not an official diagnostic term, but they are widely used to describe periods of intense anxiety.

What Is a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear that peak quickly and feel overwhelming.

They are recognized clinically and involve a strong nervous system response.

Common Characteristics of Panic Attacks

• sudden onset

• peak within minutes

• feel intense and extreme

• often feel uncontrollable

• may seem to come “out of nowhere”

Common Symptoms

• racing or pounding heart

• chest pain or tightness

• shortness of breath

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• sweating

• trembling or shaking

• nausea

• numbness or tingling

• feeling detached or unreal

• fear of dying or losing control

Many people experiencing a panic attack believe they are having a medical emergency.

The Nervous System Difference

Both panic and anxiety involve the same stress system — but panic activates it more intensely and abruptly.

Anxiety Attacks

• nervous system ramps up gradually

• stress hormones increase steadily

• thinking mind often remains somewhat engaged

Panic Attacks

• nervous system fires suddenly

• adrenaline spikes rapidly

• thinking brain goes offline

• survival mode fully takes over

This is why panic attacks feel so physical and frightening.

Why Panic Attacks Feel So Dangerous

During a panic attack:

• the amygdala triggers a full threat response

• adrenaline surges

• breathing becomes shallow

• blood flow shifts

• sensory perception changes

The body is convinced danger is present — even when it’s not.

Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they feel dangerous because the survival system is fully engaged.

Why Panic Attacks Can Happen “Out of Nowhere”

Many panic attacks appear untriggered — but they are often the result of:

• accumulated stress

• chronic anxiety

• nervous system overload

• suppressed emotions

• fatigue or burnout

The system reaches a threshold and discharges all at once.

Anticipatory Anxiety: Fear of the Next Attack

After a panic attack, many people develop anticipatory anxiety — fear of having another one.

This can lead to:

• hypervigilance

• body scanning

• avoidance of certain places

• fear of being alone or far from help

Ironically, this fear increases nervous system activation and makes panic more likely.

Why Avoidance Makes Panic and Anxiety Worse

Avoidance teaches the brain that the situation was dangerous.

Each time avoidance happens:

• fear pathways strengthen

• confidence decreases

• anxiety generalizes

Therapy helps gently interrupt this cycle.

How Therapy Helps Panic and Anxiety

At Full Circle Counseling & Wellness, treatment focuses on calming the nervous system and retraining the brain.

Therapy may include:

• education about panic and anxiety

• nervous system regulation techniques

• breathing and grounding skills

• cognitive strategies to reduce fear loops

• exposure-based tools (when appropriate)

• trauma-informed care

The goal is not to eliminate anxiety entirely — but to restore trust in your body.

When to Seek Professional Support

It may be time to reach out if:

• panic attacks are recurring

• anxiety feels constant or escalating

• fear of panic is limiting your life

• symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or sleep

• reassurance no longer helps

Support early can prevent symptoms from becoming more entrenched.

Panic Attacks Are Scary — But They Are Treatable

Panic attacks are not signs of weakness or danger. They are intense stress responses that can be understood, managed, and reduced with the right support.

You Don’t Have to Live in Fear of Your Body

If panic attacks or anxiety attacks have been controlling your life, clarity and relief are possible. Therapy helps your nervous system relearn safety and gives you tools to respond differently when symptoms arise.

Full Circle Counseling & Wellness provides compassionate, evidence-based support for anxiety and panic for individuals and families in Frankfort, Chicago, and surrounding communities.

Reach out today to begin feeling grounded, confident, and back in control.