Physical Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
Learn How To Treat Your Anxiety
The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are not something that you are likely to forget once you experience them. Labored breathing, perspiration, chest pain, numbness of fingers and toes and uncontrolled shaking are among the symptoms that may occur. During an anxiety attack, a victim may experience one, several or even all of these symptoms.
What Are The Physical Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack?
Undergoing physical symptoms of an anxiety attack often feel like a heart attack or complete nervous breakdown. Often, those suffering from an attack call emergency services and are rushed to a hospital because they are convinced they are in the middle of a serious medical emergency. While not strictly necessary, there are advantages to having nurses and doctors available during the course of the attack. Frequent victims of anxiety need their own coping mechanisms to help them survive a scary attack.
Researchers believe that the full-blown physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are akin to the survival ‘fight or flight’ response that is characteristic of all creatures, and humans are no exception. Physical manifestations include an adrenaline rush, increased sensitivity to surroundings and marked aggressiveness. It is believed that this response is helpful to the continued survival of animals, including humans, as it enables the body to better respond to danger. But during an anxiety attack, these manifestations occur for no apparent reason.
Recent research suggests that recurring panic attacks are related to an increased incidence of future stroke or heart attack. Those who experience a single instance of the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack without a prior record of anxiety disorder are not necessarily prone to cardiovascular issues or any long-term issues. But further study is needed to determine if repeated panic attacks actually cause heart problems or are only related to them in some way.
According to some doctors, there is an increased incidence of cardiovascular issues in people who take prescription medications for anxiety disorder. Regardless of how valid this correlation is, a panic attack indicates that there is a serious problem present, which must be addressed instead of just treating the physical symptoms of anxiety attacks.
Treating people who experience anxiety attacks is not a simple matter. The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are treatable with medication, but treating the cause of the anxiety attacks is more complex. Since the trigger for anxiety attacks often lies within a person’s subconscious, various forms of therapy are available to attempt to pinpoint and address root of the problem. One method that has proven to be effective is cognitive behavioral therapy, which utilizes a person’s willpower to help him deal more effectively with trigger situations.
The techniques that are used to combat physical symptoms of anxiety attacks include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that are sometimes combined with aroma therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy. Despite what some may think, treatment of physical symptoms of anxiety attacks is not as trivial as mind over matter. Anxiety is a genuine medical condition with far-reaching and sometimes devastating consequences and requires specialized treatment. With proper therapy, many people can overcome the effects of this disorder.
