[dianthus]

I've noticed a lot all over the boards (and in the world in general) that we tend to confuse panic attacks (also called anxiety attacks) with other sorts of pathological anxiety. Just for the sake of clarity, the definition of a panic attack/anxiety attack is as follows:

A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:

• 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
• derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• fear of losing control or going crazy
• fear of dying
• paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
• chills or hot flushes

This is from the DSM-IV. What's important to note is that panic attacks are mostly somatic in nature-- manifested in the body rather than just in the brain or mind. On the other hand, experiences that involve intense anxiety about a situation (or about nothing) that are experienced mostly as thoughts and emotions aren't panic or anxiety attacks. Panic attacks are generally experienced as sort of a discrete thing that happens over a period of minutes to possibly hours, even though continued anxiety related to the panic attack can last for a very long time. It's this last part that leads to agoraphobia for many people with panic disorder.

I hate to be a blowhard, but I feel that it's important that we use precise language when discussing symptoms here because treatment is slightly different for the various manifestations of anxiety. This is true for most disorders. Though labels can be frustrating and incomplete, they do serve a purpose.

[vanderk]

Thanks for taking the chance on being slammed for being a blowhard. I can't tell you how many times clients tell me they're "suicidal" when what they are presently experiencing is panic. Clear, accurate understanding of you are experiencing is key in getting proper and timely help. Thanks for the posting.

[helenllama]

Thanks for that clarity.
Looks like I have both GAD, and Anxiety Attacks.

[Mayteana]

I was going to say that this should be pinned... then I noticed that it already was

This is good info. I think people (including me on occasion) sometimes forget the difference with panic / anxiety.

Thanks for the reminder

~ May