Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Many people have experienced a panic or anxiety attack and will remember it for a long time to come.

Why? Mainly because it is so debilitating.

A good going panic attack is firstly a surprise to the person having one (if it's their first time), can have unusual symptoms that may be frightening (such as chest pain, hyperventilation and the feeling of "losing your mind" and not being able to think and act straight), and for some even developing a feeling of dread about the possibility of having another one.

For these reasons, a panic attack is frightening and intense.

In fact, most attacks last from minutes to (rarely) hours.

The criteria for a panic attack according to DSM-IV, the criteria used in medical diagnoses are:

1. Discrete period of intense fear and physical / mental discomfort with four or more of the following:

1. Chills or hot flushes.
2. Derealization or depersonalization.
3. Discomfort or pain in your chest.
4. Feelings of choking.
5. Feelings of going crazy or losing control are common.
6. Feelings of lightheadedness, dizzy, faint, or unsteady.
7. Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
8. Palpitation, heart pounding or rate increase.
9. The fear of dying is common.
10. Trembling / shaking.
11. Sensation of not being able to breath or shortness of breath.
12. Sensations of tingling or numbness ( paresthesias)
13. Sweating

2. Not due to a substance,  general medical condition,  or other disorder.

This constitues a panic attack.

For the diagnosis of panic disorder on the other hand, there are other symptoms and criteria that are typically present.