Anxiety attacks can be so terrifying that you feel as if you’re about to die or lose control. You may think that you have a heart attack. After an episode of an anxiety attack is over, you may worry about having another one, especially in a public area where you can’t easily escape, or help isn’t available. It is a highly unpleasant experience.

The sets of signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks are different from person to person. It usually peaks within 10 minutes, and rarely last more than 30 minutes. Subsequent anxiety attacks may follow, causing the overall anxiety attack experience to persist longer. If the anxiety attack continues for a prolonged period, the condition may become more complicated and consequently require more time and effort to resolve.

Causes of Anxiety Attacks

There are two leading causes of anxiety attacks: High-degree anxiety and chronically-elevated stress.

High-degree anxiety

Anxiety attacks are episodes of high-degree stress responses, either precipitated or accompanied by high-degree anxiety.

Chronically elevated stress

When you allow stress to build up without relief, the body can cause an anxiety attack – an involuntary response that isn’t caused by behavior.

You may think you have a heart attack, which may cause you to react with more fear. And when you become more afraid, the body is going to elicit another stress response, which triggers a vicious cycle.

Risk factors

Risk factors of anxiety attacks include:

Traumatic events, such as a divorce or death

Ongoing stress, such as interpersonal conflict, financial woes, chronic health condition, or work responsibilities

Having family members who have anxiety or panic disorders

Being female

Symptoms

Anxiety attacks can affect each person differently. Consequently, the symptoms can vary from person to person. If your symptoms don’t match the following list, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t an anxiety attack.

Common symptoms of an anxiety attack:

A feeling of overwhelming fear or panic

The sense of going crazy or losing control

Feeling like you might pass out

A surge of doom and gloom

An urgency to escape

Dizziness

Heart palpitations or chest pain

Trembling or shaking

Sweating

Feeling detached from reality

Weak in the knees

Numbness and tingling sensation

Trouble breathing or choking sensation

Hyperventilation

Hot flashes or chills

Nausea or stomach cramps

How to Stop an Anxiety Attack

Try the following techniques in advance, and when you feel panic coming on, choose the most suitable coping method for that moment.

Acknowledge what is happening

If you’re already experiencing an anxiety attack, you know that the symptoms can be extremely frightening. Acknowledge the situation and remember that symptoms will soon pass. You’ll be alright.

Breathing exercise

Hyperventilation is among the most common and alarming symptoms of an anxiety attack. Learn a breathing technique in advance so that you can adopt it when you’re panicking.

If you feel your breath quickening, focus your attention on your breathing. Inhale and feel your stomach fill with air, and then exhale. Count down from four at a slow and steady pace as you inhale and exhale. Repeat until your breathing slows.

Use relaxation techniques

Try relaxation methods – such as progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy, or guided imagery – to reduce feelings of panic and anxiety. When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety attacks and increase calmness.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness-based intervention is a technique that can help you ground your thoughts in the present moment. Practice mindfulness by actively noticing your thoughts, sensations, and emotions without reacting to them.

Connect with others

Isolation and loneliness can trigger or worsen anxiety. On the other hand, talking about your concerns face-to-face can often make them seem less overwhelming.

Meet up with friends regularly. Join a self-help or support group. Share your concerns with a trusted loved one.

Manage stress

If your stress levels are incredibly high, stress management can help. Give up, turn down, or delate your responsibilities to others.

Exercise regularly

Exercise is a natural anxiety reliever. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day.

Treatments for Anxiety Attack

Medication

Medication can reduce symptoms of a severe or recurrent anxiety attack. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or benzodiazepines.

Psychotherapy

Engaging in psychotherapy can help you identify triggers and manage symptoms. Treatment also aims to help people to accept their past and work towards their future.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be especially helpful for people with anxiety attacks.

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack

Many people use the terms anxiety attack and panic attack interchangeably, but in reality, they represent two different experiences. These types of attacks have different intensities, symptoms, and durations.

Anxiety attacks are generally less intense than panic attacks. The former is also accompanied by less severe physical symptoms than the latter. However, anxiety attack symptoms often last longer than that of a panic attack.

You may experience both anxiety and panic attack at the same time.

If may be difficult to know whether what you’re experiencing is an anxiety attack or a panic attack. Keep in mind the following: