In this day and age, as we attempt to juggle demanding careers, chaotic schedules, and important family time, we are often left to our own devices when it comes to managing stress. For some, stress on an every day basis is just par for the course in trying to be everything to everyone. But, for others, high levels of stress can result in an anxiety attack ? either as an isolated incident or as part of an overall panic disorder.
Unfortunately, it seems that more and more people are suffering from these sometimes debilitating attacks. But surely a possibility is that with a greater focus on these panic related disorders more people are able to finally put a name to their condition and are coming to the forefront to find relief.
An anxiety attack ? sometimes referred to as a panic attack ? is a physiological reaction to psychological stress. And yet the physical symptoms felt during an anxiety attack are completely real to those who are experiencing them. During such an episode sufferers report feeling an intense level of fear that is so powerful that it is often incapacitating.
Other symptoms of an anxiety attack include shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain. In fact, many people in the throes of a panic attack confuse the symptoms with those of a heart attack. Most frightening, however, can be the feeling of suffocating. It's no wonder that those who suffer from these attacks ? whether they have experienced it once or frequently ? report that it has been one of the most terrifying experiences of their life.
The stimulus associated with an anxiety attack is different for everyone; but when that stimulus is faced, adrenaline is released in the body which in turn provokes our natural fight or flight reaction. Under normal circumstances we are able to fight through this event but when a panic attack occurs, we become stuck in this phase; our heart rate escalates causing the onset of increased sweating and hyperventilation.
Statistics predict that one in sixty people will suffer an anxiety attack at least once during their lifetime. Such an attack is typically in response to an exorbitant amount of stress; stress that instigates the fight or flight response that's in all of us. For those who struggle with anxiety, this feeling comes up more often than in other people. Researchers are still trying to uncover the different physiological makeup of someone who suffers from intense feelings of anxiety.
When an anxiety attack surfaces it is often with little or no warning and can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Following such an attack, a sufferer may often experience extreme exhaustion and "crash" for a period of time.
While a particularly difficult period of time or difficult event can lead to overall anxiety and the provocation of a periodic attack, those who suffer from ongoing panic attacks may often be diagnosed with anxiety disorder ? or panic disorder. Panic disorder should be treated by a doctor and may require the use of medication to reduce levels of anxiety.
When anxiety attack symptoms strike, many people believe they are suffering from very serious, life threatening medical conditions. Understanding exactly what is going on with the body and what is creating the symptoms in the first place is not always an easy undertaking. There are certain things people who experience these symptoms for the first time should do to be positive that anxiety is actually to blame.
Since these signals can mirror heart attack symptoms, it is always advised that immediate medical attention be obtained to make the determination of the real cause. It is very difficult in many cases to distinguish an anxiety attack from an actual heart attack. A doctor should be the one to decide.
If these symptoms are diagnosed as such, there are things people can do to help themselves if future attacks to present. It is important to remember, however, that some people might suffer from anxiety attack symptoms once in lifetime and then never have a repeat. For others, these symptoms become a way of life as anxiety disorders develop and progress.
Treating the symptoms often begins with medical intervention. A combination of prescription medications and therapy can greatly help people overcome attacks and resume normal, everyday activities. Unfortunately, if these symptoms are left unchecked, some people might choose to isolate themselves from triggers. In extreme cases, this can lead to almost complete isolation. In some anxiety disorders, for example, people try to avoid all contact with the outside world, preferring the sanctuary of their own homes instead. This cuts them off from social activity, working, going to school and generally enjoying life to its fullest.
Beyond medical intervention to treat these symptoms, some people find a number of alternative therapies quite useful. Some of the most common therapies used to treat this illness involve those that can calm a person while an attack is in its onset phase and help them stop it in its tracks. These therapies include:
- Deep breathing/meditation. This can be a very effective means for helping some people with anxiety attack symptoms regain composure. The key to using this is to recognize onset signs and react immediately.
- Facing fears. In the case of some phobias that bring on these attacks, psychologists will help patients face their fears to overcome them. This is generally only advised under close supervision by a trained therapist. If it is successful, a person might find they are completely rid of the condition and the attacks.
- Hypnosis. Some hypnosis procedures have been shown to be effective in helping people overcome this problem, or at least frequency.
Dealing with these symptoms is not always an easy undertaking. When coming up with ways to overcome attacks is desired, a combination of therapy, medication and even alternative measures can help some people regain control over their lives.
Both Candice Sabrina & Martin Richfield are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Candice Sabrina has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, LASIK Surgery and Recreation and Sports. For more information on anxiety try visiting http://www.BestAnxietyRelief.com a website that specializes in providing anxiety related tips, advice and resources to include information on. Candice Sabrina's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Martin Richfield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Alternative Medicine and Religion. Martin Richfield has been involved in online business since 1996. He uses article marketing as his primary traffic source. He has been involved in a number of industries which gives him the knowledge to write on a broad range of subjects. For more details. Martin Richfield's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.