Many people who first undergo an anxiety attack describe it as a feeling they have never felt before. They are overwhelmed with emotions of being out of control. There may be feelings of crushing fear and physical reactions such as heart palpitations or difficulty breathing. Causes of anxiety attacks may include a chemical imbalance, alcohol or drug abuse, stress, or experiencing traumatic incidents either currently or from reminders of past events.
Triggers
Anxiety attacks, or panic attacks, can be triggered by a variety of factors, depending on the individual. Some people might suffer an attack while in crowds or in elevators. After having an anxiety attack, a person may bring on an attack by worrying about having another attack. Phobias may develop because of the anxiety attack, according to the Anxiety Panic Attack Resource website. If a person has an attack in an elevator or on a plane, the person may fear and avoid those situations.
Effects
The sudden fear of an anxiety attack may be followed by physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, pounding heart, chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. Sweating and headache may result from the increase in heart rate and blood pressure. A sick feeling may be accompanied by a sudden pale complexion, or trembling, weakness and tingling in the arms, hands and feet. There is a fear of going mad along with other irrational thoughts.
Time Frame
Anxiety attacks may last for a few moments to 30 minutes or longer. Subsequent attacks can soon follow in some cases, compounding the fear the person is experiencing because of a much longer experience. Bad memories of the attack can last for hours or days. Anxiety attacks usually begin between the ages of 17 and 25, but can occur at any age.
Complications
The smothering sensations of an anxiety attack can lead to many seemingly unrelated symptoms, according to the National Panic & Anxiety Disorder News. Indigestion, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea may occur. Anxiety attacks may lead to longer term symptoms such as skin rashes, insomnia, nightmares, depression, aggression, hallucinations, hyperactivity, impaired vision or hearing, sensitivity to light or sound, and pain in the face or jaw.
Immediate Remedy
The experience can be terrifying, but by itself is not dangerous. The immediate treatment for an anxiety attack is for the person to find a quiet place and sit down when anxious feelings arise. The person must remember that the feelings will only be temporary and will get better. Seeking therapy is the best way to treat an anxiety disorder. A therapist will try to get to the cause of the attacks and present ways of dealing with and controlling the attacks.
