Signs & Symptoms of Mild Anxiety Attack

An anxiety attack occurs when nervousness and a rapid heart rate, come on suddenly. An attack may arise in response to an external trigger or occur randomly, ranging in severity from mild to debilitating. Mild anxiety attacks have less acute signs and symptoms than panic attacks and are generally easier to manage.

Signs

• With any medical condition, "symptoms" are subjective effects that a patient experiences, while "signs" are physiological indicators that medical professionals use to make a diagnosis.

  While the symptoms of an anxiety attack vary, the signs are generally similar and include increased heart rate, body temperature and perspiration. Your breathing becomes shallow, and your muscles may tense up. You may also start shaking or trembling.

Symptoms

• Anxiety sufferers often refer to the "fight or flight" response when describing the symptoms of an impending anxiety attack. They report a rush of adrenaline, which may be accompanied by nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea. Some people feel dizzy or weak and have to lie down to avoid fainting. Headache and tension in the neck and shoulders are also common symptoms of anxiety attacks, and some people report a loss of appetite until the anxiety passes.

Psychological Symptoms

• The mental and emotional symptoms of an anxiety attack are linked to the physical symptoms. The rush of adrenaline and stress hormones such as cortisol released during an anxiety attack triggers mental symptoms, which in turn feed the physical response.

  The psychological symptoms of an anxiety attack include feelings of fear or dread, racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. A preoccupation with death, illness or physical injury may predominate while in the throes of an anxiety attack, despite the knowledge that the fears are irrational.

Treatment and Prevention

• A variety of behavioral and medicinal treatments are available for anxiety attacks. Improper breathing can lead to hyperventilation, which causes symptoms of anxiety and panic, according to Trans4mind.com. Practicing deep, controlled breathing can help ease the physical symptoms of anxiety, which in turn reduces the mental effects by helping to provide oxygen to the brain and lowering your heart rate. Counting exercises and closed-eye relaxation techniques are also effective.

  The herb valerian root may help. While further research is needed, many people report improvement in anxiety symptoms while taking it. Other popular herbal supplements include kava kava, passionflower and chamomile. For more severe cases, prescription anxiolytics from the benzodiazepine family of drugs may be effective.

Conclusion

• Anxiety attacks, whether mild or severe, can affect your quality of life. If you experience repeated attacks, talk with a mental health professional about treatment options.