Anxiety Attacks

Common signs for anyone experiencing an anxiety attack include:

• Feeling tense, restless, or on edge
• A sense of impending doom or danger
• Rapid heartbeat
• Quick, shallow breathing (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Fatigue or weakness
• Difficulty concentrating or racing thoughts
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach or digestive problems
• Difficulty controlling worry
• Avoidance of anxiety triggers

Anxiety attacks often manifest physically, affecting daily functioning:

• Nausea, stomach cramps, or other digestive issues
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Pounding or racing heart
• Sweating and trembling
• Muscle tension or discomfort

While both can cause chest discomfort, a heart attack is a medical emergency; an anxiety attack is not. Key differences:

• Heart attack: Pain may radiate to the arm, jaw, or neck.
• Anxiety attack: Chest discomfort usually remains localized.
• Heart rate: Anxiety attacks can trigger rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), often reaching 200 bpm. This is generally not harmful if short-lived, but frequent occurrences warrant medical evaluation.

• Heart attack: Anxiety alone rarely causes a heart attack, but chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can increase risk.
• Stroke: Stress alone doesn’t cause a stroke, but persistent high stress and anxiety can exacerbate other risk factors.

The exact causes of anxiety attacks are not fully known, but several factors can contribute:

• Traumatic life events
• Accumulated stress
• Chronic illness
• Personality traits
• Coexisting mental health conditions
• Family history of anxiety disorders
• Substance use, including drugs or alcohol

While symptoms overlap, there are key distinctions:

Anxiety Attacks:

• Gradual onset
• General unease or tension
• Less intense physical symptoms
• Triggered by specific events or situations
• Can last for days, weeks, or longer

Panic Attacks:

• Sudden onset, peaking within minutes
• Intense physical symptoms
• Fear of losing control or dying
• Shorter duration (minutes to an hour)
• Can occur without an obvious trigger

Anxiety attacks often develop slowly and may persist for extended periods. Unlike panic attacks, the intensity is generally lower but can still significantly impact daily life.

No — anxiety attacks are not life-threatening. However, frequent attacks should be addressed with a mental health professional. Treatment and medications can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Yes. Telehealth providers allow you to consult with licensed professionals from anywhere. Prescribed medications can be shipped to all 50 U.S. states.

• Deep breathing to slow heart rate and prevent hyperventilation
• Removing yourself from stressful situations
• Muscle relaxation techniques
• Visualization exercises for calm and focus
• Light exercise, such as walking
• Mindfulness to stay present and reduce fear of future events

Distraction techniques can help redirect attention from fear to something neutral or comforting.

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Contract and release muscles while breathing deeply
• Yoga or stretching: Poses like child’s pose can restore calm
• Mindfulness exercises: Meditative focus can reduce tremors

Treatment options often overlap with medications for panic or general anxiety disorders:

• SSRIs: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline
• SNRIs: Duloxetine, Venlafaxine XR
• Tricyclic Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline
• Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Diazepam, Lorazepam
• Anxiolytics: Buspirone
• Antihistamines: Hydroxyzine