Some Basic Information on Anxiety Attacks

Those of you who have had an anxiety attack, know what it is and how it feels. You know the fear of the heart racing in their chest, and the other symptoms, which combined leave you concerned 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 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.

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack?

There are both mental and physical symptoms of an anxiety attack. Both can be crippling. 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 effects vary from: Feeling dizzy or faint is also common. 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 it’s unlikely the anxiety attack will cause death it can still be paralyzing.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 have several causes. 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. However, those without this trait 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 what are the symptoms of an Anxiety Attack

Other physical disoreders can also have an impact. Those that 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 drugs like anti-depressants but also more commonly alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

Finally, if the sufferer has a history of phobias, panic attacks of family bereavement, this is also likely to increase the risk of an anxiety attack.

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

 

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