Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:51:08
In reply to Re: Hi Guys, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:14:35
Hi Mystic,
As I understand it, the difference is this:
Panic Attacks come on suddenly and last a short amount of time. They usually aren't triggered by anything specific and symptoms include a rapid heart beat, sweaty palms, a feeling of unreality, irrational thoughts about something being physically wrong (e.g. thinking you're about to die of a heart attack)
Anxiety is more prolonged and there is usually a source for it such as the stress of getting a divorce or dealing with a difficult project at work/school. Anxiety can be accompanied by overwhelming thoughts and the inability to think clearly.
I've copied some additional info that I found online. It's a bit wordy, but useful:
K.
From http://www.anxiety-depression-solutions.com
What are anxiety attack symptoms?
Anxiety attacks are generally called Panic attacks.The most common definition (and anxiety attack symptoms) for Panic Attacks according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by American Psychiatric Association) is:
A specific period of intense fear or discomfort in which 4 or more of the following symptoms occur
palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
sweating
trembling or shaking
sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
feeling of choking
chest pain or discomfort
nausea or abdominal distress
feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
fear of losing control or going crazy
fear of dying
numbness or tingling sensations
chills or hot flushesAnd at least 1 of the attacks has been followed later by;
persistent concern about having additional attacks
worry about the implications of the attack, for example worry about losing control or having a heart attack or “going crazy”
a significant change in behavior related to the attacksA less severe condition is usually defined or referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety is usually anxiety about work or school or life in general.
When the anxiety has a specific focus it usually has a different diagnosis.
For example anxiety about being embarrassed in public is usually considered Social Phobia.
Anxiety about being contaminated is usually classified as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Having a lot of physical complaints is usually defined as Somatization Disorder.
Anxiety about weight is usually Anorexia Nervosa.
Related conditions include Obsessive- Compulsive disorder and Posttraumatic stress
Several “disorders” have very similar or even the same symptoms including
Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Social Phobia Obsessional thoughts Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mood Disorders Psychotic Disorders and Nonpathological anxiety
poster:KathrynLex
thread:323847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040331/msgs/333041.html