Firstly, before I lay out regular panic and anxiety attack symptoms, I’d want to take a moment to explain that a “symptom” is something that doctorstake note of to distinguish individual ailments and diseases. The majority of panic disorders are not medical diseases. They're behavioral conditions. That is to say that there is likely not a single thing physically wrong with you that is producing anxiety attacks, but rather you have problems with panic attacks since you are responding to anxious thoughts and “what if” thoughts.

For those who suffer through stress and anxiety when you can find absolutely nothing to rationally be frightened of, you could be experiencing an inappropriate level of panic. This is most probably caused by stressing over stuff that are outside your control, or a unending chain of “what if” questions that only agitate you and raise your stress and anxiety even more.

Seeing as every person is unique, each person will see unique panic and anxiety attack signs and symptoms. We each respond to anxiety- and fear-inducing circumstances in different ways, but listed below are some general ones that people often encounter.

  • Rushing heart or rapid heartbeat
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Bodily shaking or shuddering
  • Feeling as if you're going to choke
  • Feeling short of air
  • Upper body aches and pains (sometimes making a few to believe they are having a heart attack)
  • Queasy or a sinking sensation inside your stomach
  • Disorientation or faintness
  • Light-headed sensations
  • Derealization (feeling as if you are inside a dream or like everything is a fantasy)
  • Depersonalization (away from the body or that you don't exist)
  • Anxieties that you just might go mad
  • A numb sensation in the face, fingers, or your feet (known as “tetany,” that may be caused by heavy breathing)
  • Freezing or hot sensations
  • The skin becoming pale or the loss of coloration
  • Blushing
  • Acute urges to use the toilette
  • Worrisome or terrifying thoughts
  • Muscular cramping in your spine or neck

Additionally, after a panic attack, many people will form a fear of having yet another panic or anxiety attack. This commonly causes these people steering clear of particular conditions or places they started to associate with their first panic or anxiety attack. This “low-volume” of constant panic that follows a panic and anxiety attack is typically called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

It is also vital for you to realize that, no matter how frightening your panic attack symptoms might be (and they usually are quite frightening from time to time), you aren't in any genuine danger. No one has at any time died from a panic or anxiety attack. So take comfort with the idea that what you're experiencing will pass and that it won’t leave you with any damage to your body or mind.

Once again, these are merely some of the frequent panic or anxiety attack symptoms you may encounter. You might feel all of these, or only a few. If you experience a lot of symptoms, it doesn't specifically imply your condition is worse than if you've just experienced limited number of them. And this is by no means an thorough list. It is possible to go through a panic attack and never experience any of the above symptoms at all.

Author's Bio: 

Andrew Hunter used to struggle with panic and anxiety attacks. After mastering his emotions and retaking control of his life, he enjoys helping others overcome fears and move past personal barriers.

If you enjoyed this article, also check out Panic Attack Symptoms and How to Stop a Panic Attack.