Facts About Anxiety Attacks

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Friday, August 21st, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Those who have had an anxiety attack know what it is and how it feels. Heart racing in chest, and other symptoms leave them worrying about their life. They may have been in to the doctor and told it is “all in your head” - and they’ve worried that it truly was all in their head and they are losing their mind.

For those who haven’t had an anxiety attack, this is a foreign subject. It’s time to learn more.

What causes an anxiety attack?

First, there are both physical and mental symptoms of an anxiety attack. Both can be debilitating. They can last from only a few seconds to a half hour or longer. (The average attack lasts thirty minutes.) They can be mild, or so intense that a trip to the emergency room seems in order.

The physical symptoms range from sweating and chest pains, inability to catch the breath, racing pulse, shaking or hot flashes or chills. Feeling dizzy, or faint, is also a common symptom to 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 actually die. .

What Causes Anxiety Attacks?

There are several things that may cause Anxiety attacks. 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. According to study those who are raised with a fearful outlook on life and their surroundings are more likely to have this disorder, as are those who have a very passive communication style.

Other physical conditions can also have an impact. Those who have obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, a vitamin B deficiency, or even labyrinthitis may induce panic or anxiety attacks.

Chemicals introduced into the body can cause anxiety attack. These include “heavy duty” drugs, like Ritalin, anti-depressants, and all SSRI drugs, but also nicotine, alcohol, and even caffeine.

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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