Am I Having An Anxiety Attack?

Another word for an anxiety attack is a panic attack. This can occur suddenly and often without any obvious trigger. The level of severity depends on the person and the particular attack because some may be more severe than others. An anxiety attack can create many physical symptoms and has been mistaken for a heart attack in many individuals.

When a panic attack occurs, the person feels a sudden surge of anxiety. They often feel overwhelmed and out of breath. The heart rate increases and heart palpitations can occur. Other symptoms can include sweating, chills, feeling  detached and feeling faint.

An anxiety attack can last at least 10 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the person. An anxiety attack is associated with a disorder called Panic Disorder. There is no known exact cause of anxiety attacks. Some research has shown that it is found in family history, but there are many who experience anxiety attacks without any prior family history.

Usually, anxiety attacks are triggered by some type of stressful situation, an illness or even some medications. A panic attack can also be a symptom of certain anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder.