How to identify an anxiety attack?

Many people mistake a panic attack for an anxiety attack as the physical symptoms of both differ

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A representational image depicting anxiety. — Unsplash/File
A representational image depicting anxiety. — Unsplash/File

An anxiety attack may be described by people as physical symptoms of anxiety which include faster breathing, nausea, dizziness, headaches and more.

It can be a reaction to stress in addition to being feelings of fear and worry. Moreover, people can also go through anxiety when there is no identifiable stressor.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM, there is no set definition of an anxiety attack. Notably, the definition of an anxiety attack is subjective and people may also say that they are experiencing an anxiety attack when in actuality they are describing a panic attack.

That is why it is important to be aware about the physical symptoms, which may be described as an anxiety attack

Feeling lightheaded and dizzy, a churning feeling, or a “knot” in the stomach, restlessness, faster breathing, diarrhoea, sweating, hot flushes, nausea, pins and needles, headaches and backaches and a fast or irregular heartbeat are considered symptoms of an anxiety attack, reported Medical News Today.

Additionally, anxiety may also have a specific trigger, such as an exam, workplace issues, a health issue, or a relationship problem.

It can also be a sign of an anxiety disorder, if it is persistent as well as have symptoms that are less intense than a panic attack.

Furthermore, it usually develops gradually when a person feels anxious.

In addition to being mild, moderate or severe, anxiety tends to develop gradually, and a person is usually worried or concerned at the outset.