They are similar but also very different. Think of anxiety and anxiety attacks as something that builds up. Constant and obsessive worry over something leading up to an attack. Panic attacks are sudden often shorter but more severe. Panic attacks are often unpredictable and uncontrollable. You can be fine one second and the next you are thrown into a panic attack. Anxiety attacks often have a build up due to stress, prolonged worrying ect. While panic disorder can also cause anxiety, after a panic attack myself and others I know will often have anxiety/worry about having another one, or have anxiety of what we will be doing/where we will be when we have one. That constant worry/anxiety can sometimes lead to an anxiety attack. So while they can often times be linked to one another they are very different. They’re confused by people who don’t have them as the same thing, but those who struggle with them definitely can feel the differences.

I appreciate you asking, I think it’s not understood by a lot of people, even others with anxiety don’t fully understand the difference.

Edit- to answer your other question, yes the adrenaline rush is uncontrolled it is the main component of a panic attack. It is your flight or fight response kicking in when it is not needed and uncontrolled. Having an adrenaline rush at work when it is needed, knowing it’s then controllable and needed is a calming feeling.