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Answering Some Basic Questions About Anxiety Attacks

If you have suffered with an anxiety attack you will know exactly what it is and how it feels. You will have experienced the fear of a pounding heart and the other stomach churning symptoms that leave you worried for your life. Your doctor and maybe even your friends may have told you that it is ‘all in the mind’ and to ‘pull yourself together’ and then you’ve worried that it is in your head and your losing your mind. For those who haven’t had an anxiety attack, this is a foreign subject. It’s time to learn more.

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack?

First, there are both physical and mental symptoms of an anxiety attack. Either one can be debilitating. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to hours. The average attack lasts thirty minutes.  They can also vary in severity form mild to intense. The physical symptoms vary from: Feeling dizzy or faint is also common. Click here for more on Anxiety Attack Symptoms

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 it’s unlikely the anxiety attack will cause death it can still be terrifying.The feeling of fear, panic, and dread can leave the sufferer feeling like they’re either going to go crazy or leave them in a state of shock.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks?

Anxiety attacks can be caused by several things. 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. A persons upbringing will have an influence of the risk to an attack. Studies have shown that those raised with a negative or frearful outlook on life will be more likely to have this disorder as do those who are reticent in their communication style. Click here to learn more about what causes Anxiety Attacks?

Other physical conditions 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. Chemicals too can cause anxiety attacks. 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 Anxiety homepage.