Hello. I was wondering what was the difference between an anxiety attack vs a panic attack. I have tried looking up the difference. Some say anxiety attacks don't exist while other (sites) say that they are more frequent, but less severe than panic attacks. I don't know the symptoms of anxiety attacks, but the symptoms of panic attacks are:

Four (or more) of the following symptoms occur:
1. Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
2. Sweating.
3. Trembling or shaking.
4. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.
5. Feelings of choking.
6. Chest pain or discomfort.
7. Nausea or abdominal distress.
8. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
9. Chills or heat sensations.
10. Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations).
11. Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
12. Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
13. Fear of dying

For me, I get 1, 2, 3, and 9 for my panic attacks caused by my social anxiety, but I sometimes get 4 with that. For my GAD ones, I get 1, 3, 8, and 9. I have never gotten more than 5 symptoms (I am pretty sure) of a panic attack, but it is still considered a panic attack.

Anyways, can someone explain the difference if there is a difference? Thanks .