Anxiety attacks, also referred to as Anxiety Attack Disorder and Panic Attack Disorder, are episodes of intense fear or panic that often occur suddenly and without warning. Usually, they peak within ten minutes and last for almost thirty minutes. Although the duration of an attack is short, it can be very frightening. Most people even think that they are dying or having a heart attack.

In addition, subsequent attacks may follow. One episode may be followed by another; and depending on the severity of the attack, symptoms and after effects can linger for hours or even days. In the United States, these attacks are a serious health problem. At least 20% of adult Americans, aged 18 to 54, have suffered from these attacks at some point in their lives.

So, what causes anxiety attacks and what are the symptoms? Generally, a combination of social stressors, biological vulnerabilities, and ways of thinking cause these attacks. Excessive working and studying can also be major factors. Sometimes, people become so occupied with work that they refuse to take a break. Nervousness, guilt, bad memories, and depressing situations can also cause a person to experience an anxiety attack.

The initial symptoms include headaches, tension, irritability, restlessness, nausea, fatigue, and sweating. Racing heartbeat, stomach pains, chest pains, dizziness or lightheadedness, tingling sensations in the hands, difficulty in breathing, hot flashes or chills, shaking and trembling, a sense of terror, uncontrollable obsessive thoughts, perceptual distortions or dreamlike sensations, an immediate need to escape, nervousness, insomnia, and fear of dying are also common symptoms of anxiety attack disorder.

A person who suffers from anxiety attacks can try to help himself by eating properly, exercising regularly, sleeping better, and engaging in fun activities. He can also consult a doctor to know which medications he should take. Usually, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and benzodiazepine families of medications are prescribed. Some examples of these medications are sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Psychotherapy is also effective in treating anxiety attack disorder. It helps people with this condition identify and deal with the factors that contribute to their depression. It involves listening, therapeutic relationship, emotional release, advice and guidance, and providing of useful information. Psychotherapy is very helpful in resolving interpersonal and emotional problems such as depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and personality disorders. It can also help deal with problems associated with drug or alcohol abuse as well as problems related to traumatic events, sorrow, and marital difficulties.

Relaxation therapy is another great option that is proven to be helpful in treating this condition; yoga and meditation techniques are usually thought. Furthermore, group therapy and psychoeducation may be chosen. With the help of one or two professional therapist, people with anxiety attack disorder can share their experiences and gain support from one another.

Psychoeducation, on the other hand, makes people realize and accept that they have this condition; and help them improve by offering advice and teaching them how to act in certain situations.

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Author Bio: Don\’t let chronic anxiety rule your life. Click Here, and read about my battle with Anxiety attacks and how a simple visit to the emergency ward changed it all forever.

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Keywords: anxiety, anxiety treatment, anxiety disorder, anxiety attacks, panic attacks