What is an Anxiety Attack?

Some Basic Information on Anxiety Attacks

If you have suffered with an anxiety attack you will know exactly what it is and how it feels. You know the terror of the heart pounding in their chest, and the other symptoms, which combined leave you concerned for your life. You may have been to the doctor and been told it is “all in your head” and then you’ve worried that it truly was all in your head and that you are losing your mind. For those that haven’t suffered with an anxiety attack, it’s difficult to workout what all the fuss is about. Well let’s take a closer look.

The Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack

First, there are both physical and mental symptoms of an anxiety attack. Either one can be crippling. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to hours. The average anxiety attack is around half an hour.  They can also vary in severity form mild to intense. The physical effects range from: chest pains, sweating, racing pulse, shaking or hot/cold flushes. Click here for more on what causes Anxiety Attacks?

The mental symptoms are just as difficult to deal with. Sufferers report feeling like they’re going to lose their mind, they are losing control, going crazy, or going to die. While they aren’t likely to die from an anxiety attack, the terror of an attack can be literally paralyzing.These feelings of panic, fear and dread can leave the victim in a state of shock.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks?

Anxiety attacks have several causes. Genes or family history may play a part. If you have relatives or ancestors who have suffered from anxiety attacks, you are more likely to have them also. But those without such connections can also have them. The way in which one is raised can influence a propensity to have a panic attack. Studies show that those who are raised with a fearful outlook on life and their surroundings are more likely to have this disorder, as are those who have a very passive communication style. Click here to learn more about Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Other physical disoreders can also have an impact. For instance compulsive obsessive disorder, a vitamin B deficiency, post traumatic stress disorder, hypoglycemia or an unbalanced thyroid can cause panic or anxiety attacks. Anxiety attacks can also be caused by chemicals introduced into the body. These include “heavy duty” drugs, like Ritalin, anti-depressants, and all SSRI drugs, but also nicotine, alcohol, and even caffeine.

Lastly, mental issues can also trigger anxiety attacks. Things like phobias, previous panic attacks, or a significant loss or life change (like the death of a spouse) can cause an attack to occur.

If you would like more information please visit our Stress and Anxiety homepage.

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