just wondering?

[armanigurl143]

hello i was just wondering i hope this is not a stupid question what is the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks and how do i figure out the one that i suffer from?? thanks :)

[ronski]

hi chelci

A very difficult question without knowing what you are experiencing. You can get increased anxiety which can make you have butterflys in the stomach, sweaty and a faster heart rate than normal, cold hands and feet. This would make you feel uncomfortable and probably a tad agitated but this is how it is supposed to make you feel so it is completely normal.

A panic attack is very much more intense, you would get the same as described above but added to this would be breathing difficulties, feelings of dread,believing that you are about to have a heart attack and die, dizziness and just feeling very ill. The amazing thing is that both are connected with the outpouring of adrenaline and other stress hormones. Without anxiety you cannot have a panic attack so they are connected. Panic attacks are due to how we perceive the first fear that strikes like a bullet, if we fight against it then more release of adrenaline ensues and the vicious circle starts.

I hope this is helpful
Ron

[nomorepanic]

Try these - I replied on one of them and explained it:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2963

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=39963