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Anxiety Attacks: Answers To Some Basic Questions

If you have suffered with an anxiety attack you will know exactly 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. 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 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?

There are both mental and physical symptoms of an anxiety attack. Both can be crippling. They can last from only a few seconds to a half hour or longer. The average anxiety attack is around half an hour.  They can also vary in severity form mild to intense. The physical symptoms range from: Feeling dizzy or faint is also common. Click here for more on what are the symptoms of 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 leave them in a state of shock.

What are the Causes?

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. 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 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. 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. 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.

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