The symptoms of an anxiety attack may seem like something else at first, especially if you’ve never had one before. The first things people notice are often physical symptoms such as a rapid or pounding heartbeat, difficulty breathing, nausea, or chest pain. Feeling like you’re going to have a heart attack or die is understandably upsetting. If you’re having these symptoms, it’s best to get checked out in the ER. However, if you don’t have a history of heart problems or a high risk of heart attack, an anxiety attack is much more likely. There are some key differences to be aware of. For instance, anxiety attacks tend to come on suddenly due to stress or sometimes without a reason. Heart attacks typically start slowly, and they’re usually triggered by physical exertion. 

It’s worth noting that the term “anxiety attack” is commonly used, but it’s not a formal clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5. The clinically recognized term is “panic attack.”

Anyone can have an anxiety attack, but they are sometimes a symptom of another condition. If you have several anxiety attacks in a short span of time, you may need treatment for a panic disorder.

In this blog post, we’ll share 11 symptoms that you may experience during an anxiety attack.

11 symptoms you may experience during an anxiety attack 

The symptoms you experience during an anxiety attack may be different from those that another person experiences. Your likelihood of having another anxiety attack increases after your first one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have another one. If you do have another panic attack, your symptoms may not be exactly the same as the first time.

Anxiety attacks aren’t necessarily serious. They can be very upsetting, and sometimes people feel as if something bad is going to happen. Grounding, mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help you get through these moments. There are also anxiety medications that may help you manage panic attacks. Pay attention to what usually triggers your anxiety attacks so you can prepare for those situations or avoid them in the future.

The following are 11 symptoms you may experience during an anxiety attack:

• Intense feelings of fear — The most telltale sign of an anxiety attack is the intense terror you feel.
• Fear of losing control — You may worry that you’ll be unable to control yourself.
• Chest pain — During a panic attack, you may feel a sharp or stabbing chest pain. During a heart attack, it may feel more like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching. 
• Racing heart — Your heartbeat may seem faster than normal or more noticeable.
• Difficulty breathing — Hyperventilation is common during anxiety attacks, or you may feel a choking or smothering sensation.
• Trembling or shaking — Your hands or body may be shaky.
• Chills or sweating — You may feel cold, sweat, or experience both.
• Nausea — An anxiety attack can make you feel nauseous or sick to your stomach.
• Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes — Reduced circulation may make your fingers or toes feel tingly.
• Feeling like you’re going to die — Impending doom is a sign of an anxiety attack. It can be a vague sense that something bad is going to happen or a specific worry.
• Derealization or depersonalization — You may start to feel like you aren’t real or you’re not having a real experience. Or you might feel detached from yourself or your surroundings.

If you can recognize what typically happens before you have a full-blown anxiety attack, you may be able to take steps to avoid it in the future. You may need the support of a licensed clinician to build up these skills. It’s a good idea to keep track of your symptoms, noting when they started, what may have triggered them and how often they recur. This will help your care provider make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment.

Having one anxiety attack may not mean that you need to seek treatment. If you’re feeling anxious a lot, having panic attacks often or noticing that you feel anxious in specific situations, you should speak with a licensed clinician.

Some people start to avoid things they need to do, such as going out in public or driving because they’re afraid of having an anxiety attack. At Lightfully, we help people manage anxiety conditions when their symptoms start to interfere with their lives. No two clients receive the same treatment at Lightfully clinics because we provide highly personalized treatment. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each person builds up processes to promote mental wellness and increase feelings of security.

Are you seeking treatment for yourself or someone you love who’s having anxiety attacks? We can help. Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule an assessment.