What Are Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety attacks (sometimes known as panic attacks) are a short episode of feelings of intense fear. Although they usually last less than ten minutes, these attacks can feel as though they go on for much longer. These attacks can be severely debilitating and the fear of having another one can negatively affect the sufferer’s quality of life.
What Causes Anxiety Attacks?
Doctors have not been able to pin down exactly what causes people to have anxiety attacks; however there are some factors that seem to influence them. A major change in life (getting married, having children, losing a job) can trigger them. As many of these transitions tend to happen in early adulthood, this is the time that many people begin to have attacks. A tendency towards these attacks has also been seen to run in families. Finally, women are more likely to have attacks than men.
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks?
The symptoms of an anxiety attack are easy to confuse with other health problems like heart attacks. The fear that comes from this can often make the attacks worse. Among the symptoms are:
• A feeling of panic or doom
• Heart palpitations
• Tingling in hands or feet
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Feeling of faintness or dizziness
• A feeling that you have lost control
When Can Anxiety Attacks Occur?
One of the most terrifying aspects of anxiety attacks is their randomness. Most people feel fear or anxiety when facing a stressful situation. Public speaking, going on a blind date, or having a performance review at work can cause some of these symptoms. However, anxiety attacks do not occur as a response to a stressful situation. They can happen at any time, including sleep. Sufferers may withdraw from public activity because of the chance of an attack happening outside the home. One cannot predict when he or she will have an attack, which can make the time between attacks nearly as stressful as the attacks themselves.
What are the Side Effects of Anxiety Attacks?
While anxiety attacks themselves are debilitating enough, there are a number of other problems that sufferers face. The constant stress that comes from not knowing when the next attack will occur can put a large strain on emotions. Sufferers have a higher chance than non-sufferers of having depression. Suicide attempts tend to be more common. Some may try to self medicate with drugs or alcohol. The fear of a public attacks may cause some to avoid social situations altogether, isolating them in such a way that other issues like depression are more likely.What Can Be Done to Treat Anxiety Attacks?
If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety attacks, know that there are treatment options. Self treatment can include positive thinking and better personal care. If attacks are severe enough that they interfere with day to day life, getting in touch with a health professional is a good idea. The fear and loss of control that comes from anxiety attacks can be conquered with persistence and outside help. There’s no need to let an anxiety attack control your life.
