Anxiety Attacks: Answers To Some Basic Questions

Those of you who have had an anxiety attack, know what it is and how it feels. You will have experienced the fear of a racing heart and the other stomach churning symptoms that leave you worried 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 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?

First, there are both physical and mental symptoms of an anxiety attack. Either one can be debilitating. 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 be mild, or so intense that a trip to the emergency room seems in order. The physical effects range 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 they aren’t likely to die from an anxiety attack, the terror of an attack can be literally paralyzing.These feelings of panic, fear and dread can leave the victim in a state of shock.

What are the Causes?

Anxiety attacks can be caused 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. 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 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 cures for 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 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.