Anxiety attacks are sudden surges of panic that can be overwhelming. Often patients who have anxiety attacks will go to an emergency room despite the fact that anxiety attacks rarely cause any serious medical problems. Instead, anxiety or panic attacks are a chronic condition that can be treated much like any other psychiatric disorder. Recognizing the signs of an anxiety attack can help patients seek treatment and also ease the severity and duration of the panic attack.
Step 1
Identify the emotional symptoms. During an anxiety attack, the patient often feels the need to escape or has a feeling of imminent doom or danger, particularly in situations in which the feelings are inappropriate for the situation, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Patients may also feel afraid that they are losing control or going crazy. Sometimes an anxiety attack may manifest itself as a sudden fear of death for no particular reason. During an anxiety attack, the patient may also feel detached or have a sensation of unreality, Medline Plus says.
Step 2
Look for physical symptoms. There are a number of physical symptoms that an anxiety attack can cause. Symptoms that are indicative of an anxiety attack, according to Medline Plus, include chest pain or tightness, dizziness or fainting and nausea or an upset stomach. Patients may also develop shortness of breath, have a racing heart beat or palpitations or feel that they are being smothered. Other symptoms of an anxiety attack include sweating, chills, hot flashes, tremors and numbness or tingling in the hands, face and fingers. These symptoms can be so severe that patients may think that they are having a heart attack or some other acute illness.
Step 3
Note the duration of symptoms. Anxiety attacks come on suddenly and typically hit their peak about 10 minutes into the attack, HelpGuide.org states. They rarely last more than 1/2 hour, however, and then quickly subside.
Step 4
Note any possible triggers. Sometimes an anxiety attack will occur when the patient is in a situation in which it would be difficult to escape or receive medical attention. As a result, being in a car, a crowded area or in an enclosed space such as an elevator can trigger an attack. Attacks can also occur during times of stress. In some cases, patients who have had anxiety attacks may trigger an additional attack just by thinking about anxiety attacks.
