An anxiety attack usually lasts
30 minutes or less. It can be a one-time event or a repetitive
one. If anxiety attack symptoms are frequent
and regular, you may be already suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Sometimes, anxiety attacks are triggered by the fear of having
another anxiety attack.
Anxiety Disorder
This disorder is characterized
by chronic worrying and repeated episodes of anxiety or panic
attacks.
Aside from the symptoms associated
with anxiety attacks, those with anxiety disorder generally
experience difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, frequent
need to use the bathroom, insomnia, restlessness, lethargy,
irritability, loss of interest in life, muscle tension, fatigue
and others.
The most common type of anxiety
disorder is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is usually
associated with a false or irrational fear that something bad
will happen in the future. This could mean being so preoccupied
about the cause of your anxiety so much that you cannot concentrate
on other things like work. Sometimes there is no exact cause
for the anxiety, though feelings of dread overwhelm the person
on a daily or regular basis.
Anxiety
Treatments and Medication
Mild anxiety can usually be treated
by a counselor. The counselor can give breathing and relaxation
exercises to deal with anxiety attacks when they occur. It also
helps to do regular meditation on your own.
Some herbs like chamomile, which
has a calming effect, can also help. Testimonial evidence shows
that valerian and passion flower, when combined, effectively
reduce anxiety. Other herbs that can be used for treatment are
kava hops, skullcap, motherwort, pennyroyal, St. John's wort,
and linden.
For severe cases, relaxation exercises and herbal remedies may
only be supplemental to anxiety medications. Recommended medication
especially for GAD is alprazolam, which is most effective for
anxiety disorders with biological basis. The right dose of alprazolam,
though, differs from patient to patient. Finding the best dose
for you may take time, but consulting a good doctor may make
it easier.
Knowing anxiety attack
symptoms and warning signs may not only help you, but
also others who are unknowingly suffering from them. With the
right treatment, anyone suffering from anxiety attacks can gradually
live a relaxed, worry-free life.