An anxiety attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is a emotionally crippling condition that occurs suddenly and in many cases disappears just as quickly.

The human body’s nervous system has a function that is commonly known as “fight or flight.” It is a response to danger occurring at that moment. When events happen that require split-second responses to protect oneself, this part of the nervous system begins working. In an individual who suffers from anxiety attacks, the sensation seems to come from nowhere and for no reason. Occurrences can happen at times when the situation seems harmless, even during sleep; yet, the sensations are as intense and real as in a truly dangerous situation.

Why some people suffer from anxiety attacks while others do not is something of a mystery to researchers. Studies have shown that stressful life events both positive and negative (i.e., marriage, graduation, birth of a baby, etc.) may have a part in influencing a panic attack. Anyone, at any age, could have an attack; however, usually people younger than thirty have a high number of first attacks. Ethic background seems to play no part in the development of anxiety attacks. Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety attacks as men, researchers are continuing to study why this happens.

What are the side effects of anxiety attacks?

The primary effect of anxiety is the development of phobias, or an extreme fear of a certain situation. Phobias include fear of flying, high places, closed in places, etc. If left untreated, the condition could lead to agoraphobia, a fear of being in any situation that could lead to an anxiety attack. This can cause an individual to lock himself or herself indoors, thereby missing life altogether. Even if the condition does not develop into agoraphobia, there are additional issues that can damage an individual’s quality of life. In a recent study, people with untreated anxiety attacks,

• Are more likely to have an addiction to alcohol or drugs

• Spend more time in hospital emergency rooms

• Tend to be financially dependent on others

• Are afraid of driving more than a few miles from home

• Have a higher risk of suicide

In addition to the social affects, anxiety attacks can damage an individual’s financial status. Fear may keep an individual from pursuing job opportunities that are beyond their range from home. This could lead to dependence on others for financial and personal care.

Because the symptoms seem normal and attacks only last a few minutes, some people dismiss them and do not seek care. They may assume that they can live with the condition or they may be afraid of the how their friends and family will respond if they found out that they were seeking treatment. However, with a qualified behavioral health care professional, an individual can learn to cope with their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment can include both medication and therapy. Medication can help the body adapt to the changes in the individual’s nervous system. Therapy helps by teaching the individual techniques for dealing with their symptoms. Together, they can help the individual restore a portion of their life that they may have lost as a result of the condition.

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The Anxiety Process

Anxiety attacks come on suddenly and without warning. The following is a typical process of how the attacks may affect an individual, possibly leading to isolation.

• A few weeks or months prior to the first attack there are sometimes minor symptoms such as rapid heart beat.

• The first major attack occurs. The individual often seeks medical evaluation at this time. The medical examination is commonly normal.

• Continued attacks may cause the individual to seek additional medical evaluations. This process can be long because of the lack of understanding of the disorder.

• An individual begins to avoid certain activities because of fear of an attack. The conditions may worsen to include additional activities not related to the initial attack.

• Agoraphobia can have the potential to set in. The individual begins avoiding places where people are or might gather, including malls, restaurants, school, meetings and driving.

• Depression may begin to set in after months or years of social isolation. Some may turn to alcohol or drugs to help with the symptoms.

Unfortunately, one out of every five who suffers from anxiety attacks attempts to take their own life. These individuals may never realize that help and treatment are available. If anxiety attacks have become a problem for you or someone you know, please contact the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002.

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To be diagnosed with anxiety/panic, you must have a period of intense fear or discomfort with at least an sudden onset of four of the twelve symptoms listed below, within 10 minutes.

Taken from the DSM-IV; APA, 1999

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Types of Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety; however, the most common are listed below with some symptoms or characteristics.

• Agoraphobia. Anxiety about, or avoidance of, place or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing.

• Acute Stress. Anxiety after a traumatic event. (See Article on Page 8).

• Generalized Anxiety. At least six months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry. Typically free-floating anxiety, there is not one event or situation to associate with it; merely pervasive feelings of uneasiness or worry.

• Obsessive-Compulsive. Obsessive thoughts which cause anxiety or distress and/or compulsions that take the anxiety away.

• Post-Traumatic Stress. Re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event and avoiding everything associated with that event.

• Panic. Periods of intense thoughts and physical symptoms that overwhelm the individual.

• Social Phobia. Severe fear brought on by people, crowds, or other social events that cause an individual to avoid such activities.

• Phobias. Fear of certain things, such as flying, elevators, high places, etc.

• Substance-Induced Anxiety. Anxiety brought on by using medications, narcotics or toxic substances.

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Anxiety & Depression

Both anxiety and depression have similar characteristics. In addition, anxiety attacks can eventually lead, without treatment, to depression. If the depression is treated, but the anxiety is not, the depression may return. Therefore, having a proper diagnosis can lead to a successful treatment plan for both conditions. Listed below are the common symptoms between depression and anxiety.

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of libido or sexual desire/enjoyment
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Drop in self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-blame and self-depreciation

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