What Happens During an Anxiety Attack

What Happens During an Anxiety Attack Panic Disorder Symptoms Print Emotions During an Anxiety Attack By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on October 21, 2019 BSIP/UIG/Getty Images More in Panic Disorder Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Related Conditions “Anxiety attack” is not a formal, clinical term, but one that is used by many people to describe all sorts of things, from feeling worried about an upcoming event to intense feelings of terror or fear that would meet the diagnostic criteria for a panic attack. In order to understand what someone means by “anxiety attack,” it is necessary to consider the context in which the symptoms occur. Anxiety “Attacks” During Perceived Threats Anxiety can be a response to an imprecise or unknown threat. For example, imagine you’re walking alone down a dark street. You may feel a little uneasy, and perhaps you have a few butterflies in your stomach. This type of “anxiety attack” is related to the possibility that a stranger may jump out from behind a bush, or approach you in some other way, and harm you. This anxiety is not the result of a known or specific threat. Rather it comes from your mind’s vision of the possible dangers that may result in the situation. The symptoms you are experiencing are normal and even beneficial.?? Anxiety “Attacks” That Are Really Just Plain Old Anxiety Sometimes what some people call anxiety attacks are really normal life experiences that make us anxious. These experiences can include things such as, taking a school exam, getting married, becoming a parent, getting divorced, changing jobs, coping with illness and many others. The discomfort anxiety brings in all of these situations is considered normal and even beneficial. For example, anxiety about an upcoming test may cause you to work harder in preparing for the exam.?? Anxiety Attacks That Are Really Panic Attacks Have you ever experienced an intense feeling of terror, fear or apprehension, for no apparent reason? If you have, you may have experienced a panic attack. If you experience recurrent panic attacks, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Panic attacks can also be the sign of other underlying medical or mental health conditions, including sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression.?? Panic attacks are often confusing for the sufferer. They are usually sudden and are accompanied by extremely intense physical sensations, leaving one to believe they may have a serious medical condition. Because the physical symptoms associated with a panic attack are similar to certain serious medical conditions, it is important to rule out any medical causes.?? Symptoms of a panic attack may include: Heart palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rateSweatingTrembling or shakingSensations of shortness of breath or smotheringFeeling of chokingChest pain or discomfortNausea or abdominal distressFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintFeelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)Fear of losing control or going crazyFear of dyingNumbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)Chills or hot flushes?? It is important to note that many people may experience a panic attack once, or even a few times during their lives and may never develop an anxiety disorder. “Anxiety attacks” that are correlated to specific real dangers are not usually a problem. In fact, this type of anxiety is normal. Since the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks may mimic many other medical and psychological disorders, it is important to review your symptoms with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.??