Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Do not ignore your anxiety attacks symptoms

The symptoms linked to an anxiety attack go down into two categories: mental and physical. It is worthwhile noting, nevertheless, that the physical anxiety attacks symptoms are completely dependent upon on the psychological state. That is to say, an anxiety attack does not directly make a person to start perspiring or breathing heavily – rather, it is because the person is panicking that the physical symptoms happen.

This is because one of the primary mental symptoms in an anxiety attack is fearfulness. Normally, when the brain experiences fear, it makes the body for physical activity – fighting or running. Despite the fact that there is no specific stimulus, people suffering from panic attacks feel a very realistic fear, and so the body reacts accordingly and pumps out adrenaline. This is what stimulates the physical reflections of an anxiety attack that most people are familiar with. These can include an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and other symptoms. The increased breathing then induces the body to take in fewer carbon dioxide. This in turn induces a number of other symptoms, such as feeling blurred, tingling sensations, or numbness.

One problem with anxiety attacks symptoms is that can create a positive feedback loop. When a person inexplicably starts to breathe faster, they may begin to feel like they cannot take their breath, which leads to further panicking. The situation can quickly intensify, so it’s important to try and keep some control when suffering an attack. In fact, many first-time sufferers of anxiety attacks think that they are suffering a heart attack or similar medical problem, and end up in the emergency room by misapprehension.

Panic attacks tend to recur, so one should constantly seek help after having one. While this isn’t always the case, for some individuals this issue evolves into a more serious condition named panic disorder. Those who develop panic disorder often affect a much more long-term, though milder panic attack that can last up to a month, during which time they worry more and more about upcoming attacks. When the actual attacks happen to a person with this disorder, they tend to be more serious.

Many people with panic disorder also develop a related condition, called agoraphobia. Agoraphobics are people who produce a fear of having anxiety attacks symptoms out in a public place where they are not in control and cannot readily leave. In the most severe examples, those suffering from agoraphobia become complete shut-ins, never leaving their house, or their “safe place.” More than 30% of those who develop panic disorder also suffer from agoraphobia.

While there is no known cure for panic disorder, there are several recognized and effective treatments to assist people manage with their anxiety attacks symptoms. For instance, there are numerous pharmaceuticals on the market, in the form of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicinal drugs, which can assist control panic attacks. These treatments are frequently combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, as a combination of medicine and therapy has tested to be the most victorious way to battle panic symptoms.