Anxiety attack symptoms typically include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, uncontrollable thoughts, and feelings of panic.
An anxiety attack can be frightening, despite the absence of an actual dangerous or life-threatening situation.
When you have an anxiety attack, self-care methods like deep breathing may help you feel calm.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
If you regularly experience anxiety attacks, your healthcare provider can recommend treatment, including medications or therapy.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like?
Anxiety attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and situation to situation.
People describe a wide range of experiences and symptoms.
Females are also around twice as likely as males to have panic disorder.
In contrast, the symptoms of a panic attack are intense and severe.
They tend to come on suddenly and don’t always have a cause or trigger.
There is no hard-and-fast rule about what differentiates ananxiety attack vs. a panic attack.
However, you might think of an anxiety attack as broader in nature.
Causes
There is no singular cause of anxiety attacks.
Anxiety attacks are a symptom of many mental health conditions.
They can also be because of specific stressful life situations or individual triggers.
Situations
Any number of situations could trigger an anxiety attack.
For many people, an already stressful life situation may boil over into an anxiety attack.
Major life changes can be anxiety-inducing, but a healthy level of anxiety can keep you alert and focused.
Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety attacks can also be a symptom of certain broader mental health diagnoses.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can contribute to anxiety.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Treatment
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety attacks.
Thankfully, there are many effective and accessible anxiety treatments.
This is because, for some people, anxiety attacks are a symptom of an overall anxiety disorder.
Medication
Medication is a central treatment for anxiety disorders and can help reduce symptoms for many people.
Generally, your primary care healthcare provider or psychiatrist will prescribe medication for anxiety.
These medications can include:
Therapy
Anxiety attacks are also treatable through psychotherapy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about referring you to a psychiatrist or therapist for your anxiety.
It’s important to seek medical help for anxiety attacks.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and connect you with appropriate treatment, such as medication and psychotherapy.
They also may suggest self-care measures and lifestyle changes that can help.
Your healthcare provider can help diagnose or rule out these conditions, too.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Panic disorder and panic attacks.
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The American Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Understanding anxiety.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
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