Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack: What Is the Difference?

By Carol Goh

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The terms “anxiety attacks” and “panic attack” are often used interchangeably. However, while they share several common symptoms, anxiety and panic attacks are two different conditions.

Clinical differences

One of the fundamental distinctions between an anxiety and panic attack is the intensity and duration of symptoms. Panic attacks typically last for approximately 10–20 minutes on average, whereas an anxiety attack may persist longer or simmer in the background.

Panic attacks are typically associated with panic or psychiatric disorders and can be expected or unexpected. Unexpected panic attacks happen suddenly and often with no clear trigger. Individuals experiencing a panic attack are overwhelmed by an intense feeling of fear and discomfort.

On the other hand, the term “anxiety” is an umbrella term for various anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. An individual suffering from an anxiety attack will experience worry and nervousness; this feeling is not as intense or abrupt as a panic attack.

Differences in symptoms

While there are similarities, the differences are clearest when comparing symptoms.

Shared physical symptoms may include an accelerated heart rate, dizziness, and chills. In panic attacks, these symptoms are often more intense as the body’s fight-or-flight response takes over. Panic attacks may also include derealisation, depersonalisation, fear of losing control, and even fear of dying.

Anxiety attack symptoms are often persistent and long-lasting. It is common to experience disturbed sleep, restlessness, and difficulty focusing. Anxiety can continue in the background of daily life, whereas panic attacks are disruptive, peaking rapidly.

Treatment for anxiety and panic

Whether you are struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, treatment is available. Options include self-help strategies, medications, and professional counselling and psychotherapy.

1) Home remedies

Mindfulness helps you anchor to the present. Breathing exercises and relaxation (e.g., light stretching, progressive muscle relaxation) can reduce arousal during spikes.

Related: Psychotherapy · Conquer Anxiety Problems With Counselling in Singapore

2) Medications

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or short-term aids to minimise symptoms while you work on long-term strategies in therapy.

3) Counselling and psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an in-depth treatment that helps you understand symptoms, resolve past hurts, and develop tools to manage triggers. Depending on your needs, we integrate:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for thoughts, behaviours, and exposure
Schema Therapy for core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not safe / I can’t cope”)
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma-linked triggers
Gestalt and visualisation for emotion processing and rehearsal

Learn more: EMDR · Schema Therapy.

Conclusion

When left untreated, anxiety and panic attacks can disrupt everyday life. If you are experiencing either and would like to seek help, we are committed to working with you toward recovery.

We offer counselling for anxiety and panic at Emotional Wellness Counselling Singapore. We use a repertoire of psychotherapy techniques such as CBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and visualisation to tackle the multiple factors that drive symptoms.