Have you ever experienced a racing heartbeat paired with racing thoughts? These are just a few well-known symptoms that are associated with an anxiety attack. If so, you might be experiencing what millions of people will experience at least once in their lives. An anxiety attack is a very frightful experience and in many cases the symptoms are similar to those of heart attacks.
The symptoms depend on the severity of the anxiety attack and some of them might be experienced by some people, but not seen in others. Some people experience only mild anxiety attacks and they only happens once or twice in their lifetimes, while in other cases the attacks can occur a few times every month.
Sometimes an anxiety attack can be brought on by a current event that may trigger a past experience that was very disturbing or unpleasant and in other cases there are no apparent reasons that cause the anxiety attacks. Researchers are still studying the underlying nature and causes of anxiety attacks to further pinpoint exactly why some people are more susceptible to them than others. Some researchers speculate that people with certain character features are more likely to experience anxiety and panic attacks. And even thought the causes might be still unknown the most common physical symptoms are.
The most common physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are very similar to that of having a stroke or heart attack.
1.Palpitation (rapid heart beat, racing heart) is a very common panic attack symptom, but does not necessarily mean that is caused by anxiety. It can be caused by physical disorder and illness as well, which is why if you experience palpitations, seeing a doctor and ruling out a heart disease is advisable.
2. Perspiration (sweating) is very natural and it actually helps your body keep its temperature. This is why we sweat more in the heat of the summer. Excessive sweating though might be caused by various disorder and some very serious physical conditions. In many cases it is a sign of an anxiety attack as well.
3. Shaking and trembling - these can be felt only in the hands, arms, or the entire body.
4. Shortness of breath or smothering sensation - breathing comes naturally, but when you feel that you have to make an effort in order to breathe then you might be experiencing an anxiety attack, especially when this is accompanied by other physical anxiety attack symptoms.
5. Chest pain - this is one of the reasons why anxiety attacks are quite often mistaken for heart attacks. If this is the first time you are having an anxiety attack, you should immediately seek medical attention. Chest pain can be caused by various conditions, but in the case of anxiety attacks it is rather sharp and usually doesn't last more than a few minutes.
6. Abdominal pain can be caused by appendicitis, hernia, irritable bowel syndrome and other physical conditions, but can be associated with anxiety as well. It can be quite difficult to diagnose due to the large number of organs that can be found in the abdomen, but if no underlying physical cause is found then it might be a sign of anxiety disorder.
7. Dizziness - if you feel dizzy or lightheaded and think that you are about to pass out, this might be a sign of anxiety attacks. This can be accompanied by loss of balance and (temporary) inability to walk or control your feet.
8. Hot or cold flashes - most anxiety disorder sufferers experience hot flushes rather than cold ones and this is usually accompanied by sweaty palms, cold flashes are usually experienced after the anxiety attack.
Read also on symptoms of anxiety disorder in children and how to deal with anxiety in children.