Anxiety States
In most people, anxiety is a temporary feeling. In some, however, anxious feelings and thoughts are almost
constantly present in what is called an anxiety state. This chronic state occasionally peaks in a "panic
attack," which can occur without any apparent reason at any time. The physical symptoms of fear increase
to such a frightening extent that the victim may, in fact, think that he or she is suffering a heart attack.
Hyperventilation, or over-breathing, is common during panic attacks and may lead to light-headedness and
even to fainting.
| Anxiety |
Generalized Anxiety
Common signs of clinical anxiety include:
- Jitteriness
- Twitching
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Apprehensive expectations, vigilance
- Insomnia
Panic Attacks
Recurrent, unpredictable panic attacks are characterized by the following:
- Feelings of intense terror
- Feelings of impending doom
- Breathlessness, chest pain
- Dizziness, faintness
- Hot or cold flashes
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Physical Symptoms
When an individual is anxious, certain body processes speed up. These are the normal "fight or flight"
reactions that help us cope with emergencies. The physical symptoms include breathing irregularities,
particularly hyperventilation; muscle tension; sweating, and an increased pulse rate. Other manifestations
of severe anxiety may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and symptoms related to the
cardiovascular or the pulmonary system: vague chest pains, irregular heartbeats, fatigue or dizziness.
Any of these symptoms should be reported to a physician and carefully evaluated.
