Panic Attack and Anxiety Disorder – What is the Difference Between the Two States of Mind?

2 Comments

1. yagatbe says:

   August 3, 2010 at 10:54 am

   Anxiety disorder (have it) just means you aren’t capable of handling your fears very well, and that you fear things more than you should. Anxiety disorder is a 24 hour thing.
   A panic attack (also have those) is when fear is so strong that it affects your body (makes you dizzy, light headed, etc.) A panic attack can keep going even after you’re no longer afraid, since your body takes a while to get the message.
   Yes, changing your diet can often help. I have found that I need to make sure I don’t get low blood sugar (say, from skipping breakfast). Other people I know react to sugar in general, or tyramines, or things they have allergies to etc etc. Start by cutting down on sugar and caffeine, since it can’t hurt anyway. If that doesn’t help try other things one by one. You have to try each suspect part of your diet for several days to see if it is adding to the anxiety problem.

   hope this helps!
2. Cel Z says:

   August 3, 2010 at 11:08 am

   Panic attack is a short-term response to fear (which may or may not recur at regular times) while an anxiety disorder is a longer term problem that is chronic in nature.

   There’s a thin line between the two and the symptoms often overlap. Emotional factors trigger a panic attack and cause reactions like excessive sweating, trembling, fear of dying or choking.

   An anxiety disorder goes beyond psychological factors and includes physical symptoms like chest pain, sudden chills, fatigue, insomnia & shortness of breath.

   A low carb diet rich in vitamin B is one way to tackle panic & anxiety attacks. It keeps your blood sugar level in check and eases nervous tension.