Anxiety Attacks Disorder | Symptoms & Treatment
A certain degree of worry and anxiety is something we all feel at various times, due to various reasons – there is nothing uncommon about it. However, once these worries and anxieties take control of your life and prevent you from leading a normal life, you may develop a case of anxiety disorder. A person with an anxiety disorder will have frequent anxiety attacks and will show several of these following symptoms:
Besides these physical symptoms, there will also appear some of the following emotional symptoms:
Anxiety disorders can be broadly classified into six types:
Mild forms of anxiety disorder can be overcome by some self-help techniques:
In chronic anxiety attacks, the patient will need specialized treatment. The treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy. You may be tempted to take some of the known anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs, but do ensure that you consult a doctor prior to taking those drugs as they may have significant side effects. For psychotherapy, you should attend counseling sessions regularly without fail.
- Increased heart beat
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Rapid breathing
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Chest pain
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tension
Besides these physical symptoms, there will also appear some of the following emotional symptoms:
- Lack of concentration
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Tenseness
Anxiety disorders can be broadly classified into six types:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – where the patient is troubled by a feeling of imminent danger or fear all the time without any apparent reason
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – where the patient cannot control certain thoughts and behaviors
- Panic disorder – where the patient is suddenly paralyzed by the thought of impending doom
- Phobia – where the patient develops an exaggerated fear of certain objects or conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder – where the patient develops a fear for things associated with a past trauma
- Social anxiety disorder – where the patient is unnecessarily worried about getting humiliated or embarrassed publicly.
Techniques To Cure Anxiety Attacks
Mild forms of anxiety disorder can be overcome by some self-help techniques:
- Try to relax – it may seem difficult at first, but with a little bit of effort you should be able to achieve it. Try and breathe slowly and deeply by holding your breath for about 2-3 seconds. Try the breathing exercise regularly, several times a day, even when you are not having a panic attack.
- Do mild exercise – a little bit of exercise may act as a stress-buster and divert your thoughts effectively.
- Follow healthy lifestyle – eat healthy and balanced diet and give adequate rest to the body and mind. Avoid caffeinated drinks and nicotine as they stimulate the nerves unnecessarily.
In chronic anxiety attacks, the patient will need specialized treatment. The treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy. You may be tempted to take some of the known anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs, but do ensure that you consult a doctor prior to taking those drugs as they may have significant side effects. For psychotherapy, you should attend counseling sessions regularly without fail.