Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: What's the Difference? by Dr. Srinivas Kambhampati

31 May 2025

The terms "anxiety" and "panic attack" are often used interchangeably, but while they share some common ground, they are distinctly different experiences. Understanding these differences isn't just about semantics; it's crucial for identifying what you might be experiencing, seeking appropriate support, and finding effective ways to cope.

Think of it this way: all panic attacks are a form of anxiety, but not all anxiety is a panic attack. Let's break down what sets them apart, drawing on diagnostic criteria from leading classification systems.

What is Anxiety? (Generalized Anxiety Disorder - GAD)

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome. It's your body's built-in alarm system, designed to help you recognize and respond to threats. In daily life, a certain level of anxiety can even be helpful – it might motivate you to study for an exam, prepare for a presentation, or be cautious in a dangerous situation.

However, when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, and interferes with your daily life, it can become a mental health condition, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

According to DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision) and ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision), GAD is characterized by:

In summary, general anxiety (as seen in GAD) tends to be:

Onset: Gradual, building over time.
Intensity: Mild to moderate.
Duration: Prolonged (hours, days, weeks, months)
Triggers: Often tied to specific ongoing stressors or general worries about the future.

What is a Panic Attack? (and Panic Disorder)

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of overwhelming fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. It's an abrupt and acute episode of severe anxiety, often accompanied by terrifying physical sensations that can mimic a heart attack or other life-threatening medical emergency. While incredibly distressing, panic attacks are generally not dangerous, though they certainly feel that way.

According to DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, a panic attack is defined by:

An abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes.
During this time, four (or more) of the following symptoms occur:

Panic Disorder, as distinct from a single panic attack, is diagnosed when an individual experiences:

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
At least one of the attacks has been followed by 1 month (or more) of one or both of the following:
- Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy").
- A significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks (e.g., behaviors designed to avoid having panic attacks, such as avoidance of exercise or unfamiliar situations).
The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.

In summary, a panic attack tends to be:

Onset: Sudden and abrupt, often "out of the blue" or in unexpected situations.
Intensity: Severe, overwhelming, terrifying.
Duration: Brief (typically 5-20 minutes, rarely exceeding an hour), with peak intensity usually within 10 minutes.
Triggers: Can be triggered by specific situations (e.g., phobias), but frequently occur unexpectedly.

Anxiety vs. Panic Attack: The Key Differences

Feature	Anxiety (as seen in GAD)	Panic Attack
Onset	Gradual, builds over time	Sudden, abrupt, "out of the blue"
Intensity	Mild to moderate worry	Severe, overwhelming, terrifying
Duration	Prolonged (hours, days, weeks, months)	Brief (5-20 minutes, rarely >1 hour)
Triggers	Often identifiable stressors or ongoing worries	Can be triggered or appear without warning
Symptoms	Persistent worry, restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance	Intense physical symptoms (palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, fear of dying/losing control), derealization/depersonalization
Feeling of Control	May feel worried, but often still functional	Feeling of losing control, impending doom/death

Can Anxiety Lead to a Panic Attack?

Yes, absolutely. While some panic attacks occur without any apparent trigger, prolonged or escalating anxiety can certainly culminate in a panic attack. When anxiety levels build over time and reach a critical threshold, your body's stress response can kick into overdrive, triggering a panic attack.

Seeking Help

Both chronic anxiety and panic attacks can be incredibly distressing and significantly impact your quality of life. However, it's crucial to remember that both are highly treatable.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT), medication, and lifestyle adjustments can provide effective strategies for managing symptoms and regaining control. Understanding what you're facing is the first step towards feeling better.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sexual Health

At Swastha Clinics, Hyderabad, we understand how overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks can be—both emotionally and physically. Dr. Srinivas Kambhampati, a leading consultant psychiatrist and mental health expert, offers empathetic, evidence-based support to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you're dealing with chronic anxiety, sudden panic attacks, or are unsure which one you're experiencing, help is available. Reach out today to take the first step toward clarity, healing, and peace of mind.