Anxiety Attack Symptoms and Panic Attacks

There is no way to tell when exactly an anxiety or panic attack could occur. An anxiety attack begins in your subconscious mind or, more specifically, with a small organ known as the Amygdala.

One of its functions is regulating a person's anxiety response. It is triggered when actual threats occur or exist but there are times when certain situations cause the organ to react even when no actual threat exists.

This could later on lead to a panic attack.

The only way to prepare for an anxiety attack is to constantly be on the lookout for signs and symptoms.

People about to have an anxiety attack tend to look either pale or flushed. They may also suddenly show signs of clumsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Their body temperature may also shoot up or fall unexpectedly. They may also feel weak, breathless, nauseous, numb, and tired all of a sudden, get easily startled as well as experience flu-like symptoms and various aches and pains.

Having excessive fears may also be a clue that a person's about to have an anxiety attack. His fears may or may not be rational. He might also show difficulties in following conversations and concentrating. A nightmare can also cause a person to have an anxiety attack.

Moods are affected by anxiety attacks as well. If a person is feeling under pressure at all times, prone to get angry and doesn't show much patience, and become antipathetic to things that usually concern him then he might just be on the way of having an anxiety attack.

Your senses are not safe from the effects of anxiety attacks either. Inexplicably impaired hearing, especially when you hear a sudden rumbling or ringing sound in your ears, could suggest a potential anxiety attack. A person about to have an anxiety tack could also show an inability to taste food, experience unexplainable tingling, and have blurry or spotted vision. Depth perception may also appear impaired.

Be aware of course that many of these symptoms are common to other health complications such as drug withdrawal, hyperthyroidism, and heart problems. It is best if you consult with your doctor immediately to know about any possible medical problems you may be suffering from and which have similar symptoms to those commonly attributed to anxiety attacks.

Identifying Anxiety Attack Risk Factors

You should also be aware of common risk factors associated with anxiety attacks. When any of these factors is present, a person is more prone to exhibit signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks. It would help if you become aware of these risk factors, too.

Environmental Factors - Be wary of getting yourself in settings which you know you'd have problems coping. A hospital, for instance, may trigger an anxiety attack if it tends to remind you of a loved one's unexpected demise. Stress at work, if not alleviated, may also lead to anxiety attacks.

Personality Traits - Pessimism, low self-esteem, and inadequate coping skills can all lead to an anxiety attack.

Heredity - Research shows that anxiety disorders may be hereditary. Although there are cases where the kind of environment you were born or constantly exposed to plays a huge role as well, studies also show the possibility of genetic influences as a determining factor.

Trauma - Last but not the least, traumatic events can definitely cause a person to have an anxiety attack. Its effects can last for years and years, making a person susceptible to anxiety attacks even if a lot of time has already passed.