The Differences Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack

In short, anxiety attacks are typically related to the anticipation of an event that may be gradual, building up over time.
Anxiety attacks are usually related a perceived stressful event.
Although anxiety attacks are distressing, they are typically more moderate in the physical responses that occur and are more mentally challenging. They may also be more frequent then panic attacks, thus occur at any time and place.
- As such the flight-or-fight response of the body is not necessarily at its peak, however, it may still be manifested in other ways.
Even still, anxiety attacks may result in many effects, such as inability or disruptive sleep, increased emotionality, and changes in social patterns.

Panic attacks tend to be sudden, with intense and overwhelming fear. There is no gradual build-up, rather it is incredibly sudden.
Panic attacks aren't typically cued by stressors, and can be spontaneous.
Panic attacks are incredibly physically distressing and have disruptive and severe symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, hot flashes or chills, shaking, sweating, or feeling faint and dizzy.
- As such, the flight-fight response of the body may take of the body of that person, manifesting in such a way that is incredibly difficult to manage
Panic attacks typically will trigger worries or fears related to having another attack, and this may effect that person's behavior by leading you to avoid places or situations where you may be at risk of a panic attack.

Sources:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack#causes

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395612002749

[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-are-the-chances/202202/anxiety-and-your-resting-brain

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