Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Every person experiences anxiety when threatened.

The body produces adrenaline to help it either to flee or to fight the threat. But when there is no real threat present, the body maintains this high level of anxiety, which can result in an anxiety attack. Symptoms of an anxiety attack are both physical and mental and can be very frightening. Fortunately there is a cure, and one that really works, subscribe to our newsletter to find out more.

Although there is no real threat, or the threat doesn’t merit such an extreme reaction, the symptoms themselves upset the sufferer by their intensity. More fear is created, which produces more symptoms, then more anxiety, until a cycle is created.

Unlike some disorders, an anxiety attack can occur suddenly and without warning. You may be just driving your car when suddenly your throat feels like it’s closing and you can’t swallow. That causes panic, which causes more symptoms.
 
Most people having an anxiety attack report symptoms of breathlessness and racing heartbeats. Often their vision is blurred and they become shaky and dizzy. Upset stomachs and ‘pins and needles’ sensations in the arms and legs add to the discomfort. To make matters worse, chest pains and difficulty swallowing escalate the panic the person is feeling. Usually these physical anxiety attack symptoms are accompanied by feelings of depression.

These symptoms are so real, sufferers frequently visit the hospital, thinking their lives are in danger. Indeed, many of the symptoms mimic those of real health problems. For instance, tightness in the chest could be a sign of heart attack. Only after many visits to the emergency area of a hospital is a diagnosis of anxiety attacks confirmed. Some individuals are never diagnosed and live with the belief they are suffering from an unknown illness.
 
Gradually, most sufferers begin to realize that their symptoms disappear once the panic attack subsides. But since the attack can be so scary, people with anxiety disorders may be afraid to venture far from home, resulting in the loss of a social life.

Even though a person who suffers from anxiety attacks knows that the symptoms are not life threatening and that there is no real danger, knowing is not enough. Treatment, whether medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a mixture of both, is usually needed. Freedom from the symptoms of anxiety attacks may require important lifestyle changes and individual or group psychotherapy treatment. A doctor who is skilled in dealing with anxiety issues will be able to suggest the right treatment, depending on the individual.