7 Responses for "Do You Ever Get Annoyed When People Mistake Anxiety Attacks For Panic Attacks?"

1. safetyxp November 1st, 2009 at 8:50 am 1

   It doesn’t annoy me, but that’s probably because I’ve never had a panic attack before. I can understand why it would annoy someone who suffers from panic attacks though. I have some other mental health conditions and it drives me up a wall when people group them in with non-serious quirks that everyone experiences time to time.

2. Ashley M November 1st, 2009 at 11:37 am 2

   panic attacks and anxiety attacks are too very different yet similar things.
   when you panic you have a sudden overwhelming fear.
   to compare this to anxiety…
   the definition of anxiety: distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune
   this could be very annoying because most people are just freaking out and not having a anxiety attack OR a panic attack

3. RayLeen November 1st, 2009 at 5:22 pm 3

   i didnt really know the difference before, i knew panic attacks were worse than anxiety attacks, but i wasnt quite sure.
   i think i get minor attacks sometimes, not sure which, because i’m never sure if there’s a cause or not. i’ve never been diagnosed, and they seem to be gone for now anyways.

4. ♥Kazz♥ November 1st, 2009 at 7:14 pm 4

   No it doesnt bother me at all – I get both and have done for many years I know the difference but to be honest I feel just as worried about how people see me when either is happening (in other words am I making a fool of myself – is it obvious during either attack?) and yes I know what you mean about the panic attack being worse as your right there is no reason for it – what I could do yesterday I cant do today etc where as hospitals and Drs waiting rooms are a trigger for my anxiety attacks as I dont like being around sick people (Im affraid of being around anyone who vomits) and sick peple just might vomit at any time (its a bugger as it keeps me away from pubs, clubs, parties and show rides) but when Im near a trigger place like the Drs or Hospital I take my ipod and turn it up loud and block out my suroundings and thats how I cope there – panic attacks well its hard to be ready for them as you dont know where they are going to happen.

5. C_T_W November 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm 5

   Please don’t Panic! But they are the same! and they are all in the mind. if your a strong person with no fears or worries, you will not have these type of physiological episodes. if your weak minded, worry about minor things, ask questions like this, dwell on it or other insignificant ideas you will have these episodes. I call these (so called attacks) sissy disease or Fraidy Cat syndrome! these are the best people to sneak up on or secretly put into your halloween projects. I myself would take pictures if someone started freaking out at walmart!

6. Wordpress Yahoo Answers Autoposter Plugin November 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 am 6

   I understand what you’re trying to say here, but from a mental health clinical perspective, I feel obligated to correct a few of the statements you made. First of all, even in the mental health field panic attacks/anxiety attacks are terms commonly used interchangeably. The key word here is ATTACK. There IS a difference between generalized anxiety and a sudden, acute onset of physiological and psychological symptoms. (Which would indicate a Panic Disorder)
   I also wouldn’t say panic attacks have absolutely NO cause. There are obviously underlying physiological causes (particularly hormones and the “fight or flight” trigger), and there are sometimes deep rooted psychological reasons individuals have panic attacks as well. I would go so far to say there is always a cause. However, the cause may not always be quite clear.
   Now to answer your question, no it doesn’t annoy me. Those who suffer from anxiety are just as scared and confused as those with a physiologically-based panic disorder. Their symptoms are just as intense to them as yours feel to you. How do you know for certain they “don’t feel as bad as they’re letting on”? Panic attacks cause greater physical, bodily symptoms. However, it’s much harder to treat those who suffer from greater psychological symptoms that are chronic rather than acute. It’s one thing to have your body betray you, but when you lose control of rationality- when your mind betrays you- things can get just as scary and intense. And unlike panic attacks, which typically last minutes, there is no passing or relief of the symptoms for someone with chronic anxiety without treatment.

7. felix November 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 am 7

   no, it doesn’t annoy me. Yes, they are two different things and are different experiences for different people. Just because anxiety attacks are brought on by stress ect. does not mean they are any less worse than a panic attack. Both are horrible for those who suffer from them.
   My mom used to have panic attacks, she became so afraid of having one someone she would hardly leave the house.
   Many people with anxiety disorders not only experience “attacks” but live in constant suffering from non-stop anxiety that causes the attack.