Anxiety Attack Overview
Written by: Jillian Treadway
Anxiety Attack Overview
If you have ever suffered through an anxiety attack, there is no need to describe what they are like. However, if you haven't, it can be a bit difficult to understand just how terrifying they can be and just how serious they are. For a long time, doctors didn't recognize anxiety attacks and put them off as games or silly ideas. Since then a lot of research has been done and anxiety attacks are recognized and studied. Here is some more information on these anxiety attack symptoms and what they're like.
Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks
An anxiety attack is often like being frightened, nervous and panicked all at the same time. The sufferer may feel as if he or she is scared, the heart rate typically rises and the breathing gets quicker. Many people describe feeling dizzy or light-headed and like they are going to pass out. The sufferer may start sweating more, salivating and even tensing their muscles. While the physical symptoms are bad enough, it's the mental feelings the victim gets which are most terrifying. Often they feel as if they are truly frightened and nervous. It's much like the feeling you have when you feel threatened and adrenaline starts coursing through your body.
Causes of Anxiety Attacks
While no one truly understands the causes of anxiety attacks, in each individual person, there are certain triggers or things that bring anxiety attacks on. For instance, one person may experience an anxiety attack when they see a particular type of animal and another may experience anxiety attacks when they are in smaller areas. Many things might add to the causes of an attack, such as a lot of stress, being upset or worried, not getting enough sleep or enough to eat and much more. In fact, those with other anxiety type disorders can often experience anxiety attacks. Those include:
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Other Phobias
Treatment
One of the most common treatments for anxiety includes the use of different types of antidepressants. Depending upon the cause of the anxiety, the doctor may use one or another kind of these pills. For instance, those who suffer from social phobia will often be prescribed MAOI inhibitors which will help relieve the anxiety attacks or lessen them. Speaking to your doctor can help you decide which kind of treatment is right for you. Joining a support group can also help you. Being able to interact with others who have anxiety attacks can help you understand more about your own situation. Anxiety attacks are difficult to deal with, but they do not mean that you can't have a normal life.
