Anxiety Attacks: Answers To Some Basic Questions
Those of you who have had a panic or anxiety attack, know what it is and how it feels. You know the terror of the heart pounding in their chest, and the other symptoms, which combined leave you concerned for your life. Your doctor and maybe even your friends may have told you that it is all in the mind and to pull yourself together and then you’ve worried that it is in your head and your losing your mind. For those that haven’t suffered with an anxiety attack, it’s difficult to work out what all the fuss is about. Well let’s take a closer look.
What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack?
There are both mental and physical symptoms of an anxiety attack. Both can be debilitating. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to hours. 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 a common symptom to an anxiety attack. Click here for more on what are the symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
The mental symptoms are just as difficult to deal with. The feeling of losing the mind, losing control or dying is not uncommon. 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 leave them in a state of shock.
What are the Causes?
Anxiety attacks have several causes. First, heredity or genetics plays a part. If you have members of your family that have experienced anxiety attacks you may have a greater likelihood of suffering with them also. However, those without this trait can also have them. A persons upbringing will have an influence of the risk to an attack. Studies show that 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. Click here to learn more about cures for Anxiety Attacks
Other physical conditions can also have an impact. For instance compulsive obsessive disorder, a vitamin B deficiency, post traumatic stress disorder, hypoglycemia or an unbalanced thyroid 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.
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