What Is An Anxiety Attack?

By Terry Edwards

An anxiety attack occurs when you experience an intense amount of anxiety, panic or fear. That is why they are also called panic attacks. There are a variety of different symptoms that occur to someone who has an anxiety attack, and vary from person to person. Typically, the attack is triggered by a stimulus, although sometimes the stimulus may not be obvious. Here is a closer look at what these attacks really are and the signs to look for.

On the surface, many people describe their panic attacks as appearing randomly. During this time, the anxiety is so strong that adrenaline and other hormones flood the body, and get the person into a state of arousal that causes their flight or fight mechanism to become engaged. Even when there appears to be no real harm, a person may be extremely frightened and even have the feeling that death or serious injury is imminent.

Studies by the American psychological Association have found that, on average, most people's bouts with anxiety last around 10 minutes. Of course, some attacks may be brief and occur for even under 60 seconds, whereas others have reported cases of episodes lasting for two hours or greater.

In fact, those who experience reoccurring panic attacks often will realize early symptoms coming on, therefore experiencing significant anticipatory anxiety before the attack even takes place. Despite the fact that these can be one of the most traumatic experiences of their life, there has been no known case of someone actually dying from one. In the worst cases, the anxiety becomes so strong that the person passes out or faints.

Anxiety attacks can affect people both socially and psychologically. Some people will experience them in social situations where they fell nervous about what the people around them will think. This is often the case for people who have to give public speeches or make a presentation in front of others. Psychological attacks can be triggered by certain internal stimulus, like feeling out of place or odd, or from consuming too much caffeine or not getting enough sleep. Also, certain foods have been associated with triggering them.

Many people who have had a panic attack associate it with a heart attack, a nervous breakdown or even with schizophrenia. Typically dizziness, heart palpitations, nauseous and extreme panic are the most common symptoms.
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