Those who have had an anxiety
or panic attack know what it is and how it
feels. They know the terror of the heart racing
in their chest, and the other symptoms, which
combined leave them concerned for their life.
They may have been in to the doctor and told it
is “all in your head”-and they’ve worried that it
truly was all in their head and they are losing
their mind. For those who haven’t had an
anxiety attack, this is a foreign
subject.
What Are The
Symptoms Of An Anxiety
Attack?
First, there are both physical and mental
symptoms of an anxiety attack. Both can be debilitating.
They can last from only a few seconds to a half hour or
longer. (The average attack lasts thirty minutes.) They can
be mild, or so intense that a trip to the emergency room
seems in order.
The physical symptoms range from sweating
and chest pains, inability to catch the breath, racing
pulse, shaking or hot flashes or chills. Feeling dizzy, or
faint, is also a common symptom to an anxiety
attack.
The mental symptoms can be just as hard 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. The feeling of fear, panic, and dread can leave
the sufferer feeling like they’re either going to go crazy
or actually die.
Anxiety attacks can be causes by several
things. First, heredity or genetics plays 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.
Other physical conditions can also have an
impact. Those have obsessive compulsive disorder, post
traumatic stress disorder, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, a
vitamin B deficiency, or even labyrinthitis 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.
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.