arabic.cnn.com
Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Panic attacks, sudden intense fear episodes with symptoms like chest pain and rapid heartbeat, differ from anxiety; they may stem from brain chemistry, stress response, or underlying health issues, and are treatable through self-care, medication, and CBT.
- What distinguishes a panic attack from anxiety, and what are the immediate physical symptoms?
- Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear, lasting minutes, with symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, or rapid heartbeat. While frightening, they don't pose a direct health risk; however, symptoms can sometimes mimic a heart attack.
- What long-term therapeutic approaches offer the best chance of managing or preventing recurring panic attacks?
- Treatment involves self-care (relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes), medication (antidepressants or benzodiazepines – the latter for short-term use only), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage attacks and the disorder.
- What are the potential underlying causes of panic attacks, and how do these differ from the symptoms themselves?
- Panic attacks differ from anxiety. Anxiety is a gradual response to stress, while panic attacks are sudden and more intense. Panic attacks may be triggered by internal factors (like brain chemistry changes) or external stressors.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced overview of panic attacks, covering symptoms, causes, and treatments. The framing is largely neutral, although the detailed description of symptoms might unintentionally heighten anxiety in some readers.
Bias by Omission
The provided text focuses on the symptoms, causes, and treatments of panic attacks, but omits discussion of preventative measures or coping strategies beyond relaxation techniques. While it mentions lifestyle changes, it lacks specific detail on how to proactively prevent panic attacks. This omission could leave readers feeling ill-equipped to manage their condition comprehensively.
False Dichotomy
The text clearly distinguishes between anxiety and panic attacks, which is helpful. However, it doesn't explore the potential overlap or the fact that anxiety can be a trigger for panic attacks. Presenting them as entirely separate entities might oversimplify the relationship between the two conditions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses panic attacks, their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Providing information on managing panic attacks directly contributes to improving mental health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, specifically targets related to mental health.