The Differences Between Panic and Anger Attacks

Anger attacks are characterized by intense, sudden periods of anger that resemble panic attacks but without feelings of fear and anxiety.

It’s not unusual for people who have panic disorder, agoraphobia, or another anxiety disorder to experience frustration because of their condition. You may blame yourself or others for your condition, further escalating your sense of anger and resentment. Sometimes this frustration can develop into anger toward yourself, anger at your situation, or anger toward others.

Researchers have conducted studies on what they term “anger attacks” in depressed and anxious individuals. They conclude that there are certain similarities between anger attacks and panic attacks. The following describes the symptoms of anger attacks and panic attacks with an explanation of the key differences.

Symptoms of Anger Attacks

According to researchers, anger attacks are characterized by the occurrence of at least four of the following symptoms:

• Chest pains, tightening, or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Excessive sweating
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling like attacking others
• Heart pounding or racing
• Hot or cold flashes
• Intense fear or anxiety
• Physically attacking others
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Throwing or destroying objects
• Tingling or itching skin

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is a handbook used by treatment providers in determining one's diagnosis. This manual contains valuable definitions of symptoms and disorders as well as diagnostic criteria.

According to the DSM-5, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chills or hot flushes
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Excessive sweating
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Feeling of choking
• Heart palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Trembling or shaking

Understanding the Differences

It’s easy to see the similarities between the symptoms of an anger attack and a panic attack. Both produce many of the same sudden and intense physical and emotional sensations. However, there are important differences.

Anger attacks might be more likely to occur in situations in which an individual feels emotionally trapped rather than as the result of fear and anxiety that are often associated with panic attacks. Because a person feels trapped and unsure of how to manage the situation, they lash out with anger.

Panic attacks, on the other hand, can be unexpected, out-of-the-blue, or cued by thinking about or being exposed to something you fear. For instance, people who have a phobia (such as the fear of flying, the fear of enclosed spaces, or the fear of public speaking) often experience panic attacks. Anger can also intensify and worsen panic attack symptoms.

Distinguishing Characteristics

In addition, there are criteria that are unique to anger attacks, including:

• Angry overreaction to small irritations
• Inappropriate anger directed toward others
• Irritable feelings in the past 6 months
• One or more anger attacks experienced in the past month
  

Causes of Anger Attacks

Anger attacks can be triggered by many things. Stress, interpersonal relationships, financial problems, and substance use are just a few issues that can play a role.

Anger attacks can also be a symptom of numerous health conditions, including:

• Alcohol misuse: Misusing alcohol makes it more difficult to control your emotions.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD often experience greater emotional intensity. This can make it more difficult to control feelings of anger that a person may experience.
• Bipolar disorder: Mania in bipolar disorder can cause extreme anger over a mild irritant.
• Depression: While depression is often associated with sadness, it is not uncommon for people to experience anger and irritability as well. Many people with depression experience anger attacks as a result of common annoyances.
• Grief: It is common for people to experience anger attacks after the loss of a loved one.
  

Coping With Anger Attacks

If you feel that you are experiencing anger attacks, and they are interfering with your work or relationships, talk to your doctor or mental healthcare provider.

Use Anger Management Techniques

Together, you can work to develop an anger management plan, which might include identifying your triggers, behaviors, and reactions and learning and practicing relaxation techniques such as the following:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Visualization
• Yoga

Try Anger Management Therapy

Anger management therapy can help you address the cognitive and behavioral components of anger in order to better regulate difficult and intense emotions.

During therapy, you'll learn how to identify your anger triggers and develop strategies to diffuse feelings of frustration and anger. You'll also learn how to change the underlying negative thinking patterns that contribute to your anger. 

Consider Medication

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help reduce your symptoms. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, that can be used to effectively treat panic attacks also work for managing anger attacks.

Practice Self-Care

Good self-care routines can also help. Self-care may include exercising, eating well, managing your sleep habits, and building a solid support network.

Join a Support Group

Attending local or online support groups and ongoing therapy are also viable options. Such groups can offer encouragement, advice, and resources that can help you better manage your anger.

A Word From Verywell

Through therapy, you can learn to better control your anger and cope with your panic or anger attacks in a healthy way. By following through with treatment and embracing healthy lifestyle choices, you can expect to have both issues in check.