Anxiety attacks are intense episodes of fear and discomfort that can manifest both physically and emotionally. Recognizing the signs of an anxiety attack is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. The symptoms of an anxiety attack can range in severity and duration. Usually, acute anxiety attacks are short-lived, but for some, the intense symptoms can leave an individual experiencing residual effects of anxiety long (e.g. days, weeks, or even months) after an anxiety attack has ended. Here are common signs to help you recognize if someone is experiencing an anxiety attack:
- Intense Fear or Panic:
- The individual may express a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or panic that seems disproportionate to the situation.
- Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations):
- Increased heart rate is a common physical symptom. The person may feel their heart pounding or racing.
- Shortness of Breath or Hyperventilation:
- Breathing difficulties, including rapid or shallow breaths, may occur. Some individuals may experience hyperventilation.
- Chest Pain or Discomfort:
- Chest tightness or pain can be a symptom. It is essential to rule out other potential causes of chest pain, such as heart issues, so seeking medical attention is crucial.
- Trembling or Shaking:
- Physical tremors or shaking can be evident, affecting the hands, legs, or the entire body.
- Sweating:
- Profuse sweating, even in the absence of physical exertion, may occur.
- Feeling Lightheaded or Dizzy:
- The person may feel lightheaded or dizzy, sometimes leading to a fear of fainting.
- Nausea or Upset Stomach:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or an upset stomach, can be present.
- Hot or Cold Flashes:
- Fluctuations in body temperature, including sudden sensations of heat or cold, may occur.
- Numbness or Tingling Sensations:
- Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling, often in the extremities.
- Feeling Detached or Unreal:
- Depersonalization or derealization may occur, where the person feels detached from themselves or perceives the environment as unreal.
- Fear of Losing Control or Going Crazy:
- The person may express a fear of losing control, going crazy, or even dying.
- Tightness in the Throat or Trouble Swallowing:
- Sensations of a tight throat or difficulty swallowing may be reported.
- Urge to Escape:
- There may be a strong urge to escape the situation, often leading to avoidance behaviors.
The symptoms can vary among individuals, and not everyone will experience all the aforementioned signs during an anxiety attack. Additionally, some of these symptoms may overlap with other medical conditions, so a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is essential.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
