The terms 'anxiety' and 'panic attack' are often used interchangeably by many people.
However, both the mental health conditions differ in their onset, intensity and duration, says the Cleveland Clinic.
While anxiety builds slowly over time, a panic attack can appear suddenly.
Anxiety is generally triggered by stress. However, panic attacks can happen even without obvious causes.
Panic attacks peak in 15-20 minutes, but anxiety takes longer and interferes with daily life.
The symptoms of a panic attack are chest pain, sweating, dizziness and nausea.
The symptoms of anxiety are heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tension and palpitations