How To Identify Anxiety Attacks
Over the course of our evolution, humans developed an instinct for danger that makes us either fight or run away to survive. This is known as a "fight or flight" reaction. In some cases, this reaction can lead to anxiety attacks, where our bodies are not able to effectively deal with the additional adrenaline that comes with this response.
These attacks are an exaggerated reaction to fear. Some fear or stress is perfectly normal, such as with a public speaking phobia, but in an anxiety attack it can be overwhelming. In some cases, panic can attack with little or no warning - sometime without any logical reason for the reaction.
Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
There are a number of common panic or anxiety attack symptoms, including:
- An elevated heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- A feeling of paralyzing fear
- Nausea
- Trembling or shaking
- Chest pains
- A tingling in your fingers or toes (aka pins & needles)
These symptoms are also common in any situation where you're faced with a threat or some kind of danger. One of the characteristics of an anxiety attack is that they will show up with little or no warning, often when there is no apparent cause.
Because they can occur with no warning it can be difficult to stop panic attacks once they have begun. As a result, someone dealing with anxiety needs to seek treatment to help minimize or eliminate it.
There are a number of forms of treatment for anxiety, and no single one is most effective. Different people have different results so a person suffering from anxiety disorder symptoms should consult with their doctor to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan.
The available treatments include drugs, therapy and even some alternative health choices. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and no single method works for everyone.
In many cases it is a combination of the various types of treatments that will ultimately be the best choice for someone suffering from a panic disorder.
