An anxiety attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. Recognizing triggers and practicing relief strategies can help manage episodes effectively.
During an anxiety attack, your body's natural fight-or-flight response is activated unexpectedly. This response releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, leading to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. This reaction prepares you to confront or escape danger, but in anxiety attacks, it is triggered without real threat, causing distress.
Factors contributing to anxiety attacks include stressful life events, trauma, mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, substance use, or biological predispositions. Certain environmental triggers, such as crowded places or stressful situations, may also provoke episodes.
Symptoms often develop suddenly and peak within minutes. Typical signs include rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, trembling, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, chills or hot flashes, and a feeling of losing control or impending doom. Some individuals may experience depersonalization or derealization.
Managing anxiety attacks involves various techniques:
If anxiety attacks are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily functioning, or if you experience chest pain, numbness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers can diagnose underlying conditions and recommend appropriate treatments, including therapy or medication.
Klarity Health offers confidential, personalized telehealth services with licensed mental health professionals and medical providers. You can connect via secure online sessions, receive appropriate treatment plans, and access therapies or medications as needed. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours, with ongoing support and follow-up options.
If you're experiencing anxiety attacks or related mental health concerns, consider consulting a licensed provider through Klarity. Our platform simplifies the process of assessment, therapy, and medication management, all from the comfort of your home. Schedule an appointment now to start your path toward relief.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of anxiety or any health condition. Providers on Klarity are independent practitioners, and a diagnosis or prescription cannot be guaranteed.
An anxiety attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, involving physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath, triggered by stress or perceived danger.
Causes include stress, trauma, mental health conditions, substance use, or biological factors activating the fight-or-flight response unexpectedly.
Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, trembling, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and a feeling of impending doom, often peaking within minutes.
Relaxation techniques, deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and professional therapy can help manage episodes effectively.
Seek help if attacks are frequent, severe, interfere with daily life, or if you experience chest pain or other serious symptoms.