HOW TO DEAL WITH AN ANXIETY ATTACK

Many people use the terms anxiety attack and panic attack to mean the same thing, but in fact there is a difference between panic attacks and anxiety. From a clinical perspective, both panic and anxiety are defined by different features: a panic attack is just a symptom associated with panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is any mental disorder characterized by a significant amount of anxiety. In conclusion, anxiety attacks should refer only to the common symptoms of anxiety in an individual.

In addition to panic disorder, anxiety disorders include phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorder, and can often trigger a panic attack or symptoms of anxiety.

Both panic and anxiety disorders could be also a result of using drugs like Zoloft, which used to be considered as treatments for depression. Such drugs may produce side effects that are harmful, including for example psychological side effects like homicidal or violent behavior, hostility, and suicidal behavior. To this end, a lot of zoloft lawsuits surfaced against the producer, as many it was claimed that the potential side effects were not properly disclosed.

Returning to the panic attacks and anxiety, the biggest differences between their symptoms are the severity and length of symptoms associated with both. Symptoms during a panic attack are usually very sudden and intense. They also do not last for a very long time, and usually end within 10-20 minutes. Common symptoms of panic attacks can include heart palpitations, increased heart rate, trouble breathing, chest pain/discomfort.

Conversely, symptoms of anxiety take a while to develop, and may be worse depending on how much the individual is worried. While some symptoms are very similar to panic attacks, they are considerable less intense. These symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months, as they are associated not necessarily with a specific situation or entity, but from a variety of sources. Some symptoms include muscle tension, increased heart rate, startle response, and shortness of breath.

An anxiety disorder such as panic disorder can usually be treated through therapy, medication, or relaxation techniques. Using these treatments can reduce the negative symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder. As an anxiety disorder is chronic and debilitating, it is important to seek treatment for them as soon as possible. It just may be the difference between living the life with anxiety and living your life the way that you want to.