Anxiety Attack Symptoms

The English dictionary defines anxiety attack as an acute, psychobiologic reaction manifested by intense anxiety and panic.

Anxiety attack, or agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder which primarily consists of the fear of experiencing a difficult or embarrassing situation from which the sufferer cannot escape.

There are many causes of anxiety but the underlying cause of anxiety attack is intense fear being aggravated by the anticipation of, or expectation of the worst, such as an imminent medical result, an exam, an imminent job loss, court case, fear of sickness, fear of a place, fear of a crowd or fear of death.

Anxiety attacks usually occur unexpectedly, and may last from a few minutes up to an hour or more. Episodes may vary in frequency from several times a day to once a month.

Anxiety attacks can be triggered by external or internal factors such as facial injury, skin disease, disfigurement or stress.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder may take a while to develop, and may become worse depending on the degree of the sufferer’s mood. While some symptoms are very similar to panic attacks, they are considerably less intense. The symptoms may last for days, weeks, or even months, as they are not necessarily associated with a specific situation or thing, but from a series of sources.

Symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

• Palpitations, dizziness and faintness,
• Profuse diaphoresis,
• Pallor of the face and extremities,
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Muscle tension
• Increased heart rate, startle response, and shortness of breath
• Restlessness, fatigue, and insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling distracted
• Personality changes such as increased irritability, anger, and detachment
• And an intense feeling of imminent doom or death.

Anxiety Attack Treatment

Since an anxiety disorder is chronic and debilitating, it is important to seek treatment for them as soon as possible.

Anxiety attack treatments are similar to those of panic attack treatments and other panic disorders and may consist of a combination of therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.

Natural treatments that naturally increase serotonin levels in the brain can greatly enhance recovery from anxiety. Using natural treatments such as pharmaceutical grade St. John’s Wort and the B-vitamins, Passion Flower, and Ginkgo Biloba, can greatly increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can reduce the negative symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder or anxiety attack.

In addition, inactivity is one of the greatest detriments to recovery from anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Exercise or being active increases the levels of endorphins in the body, which can greatly enhance recovery.