Anxiety Attack: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

An anxiety attack is a period of intense fear or worry that can cause symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, trembling, and a strong urge to escape a situation. Symptoms can vary in intensity and are often linked to stress, fear, or overwhelming emotions.

An anxiety attack may be triggered by situations such as public speaking, major life changes, financial concerns, or the loss of a loved one. It is also more common in people with mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

An anxiety attack often improves within a few minutes, although the symptoms can sometimes resemble those of a heart attack. Treatment may include breathing exercises, physical activity, emotional support, and, in some cases, medications prescribed by a mental health professional.

Anxiety attack symptoms

The main symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

• A sense that something bad may happen

• Fear of losing control

• A racing heart

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath, a choking sensation, or rapid breathing

• Trembling and/or excessive sweating

Anxiety attacks are often triggered by situations that cause fear or intense worry, such as public speaking or having a difficult conversation.

Some people may try to avoid or escape the situation that triggers their symptoms, while others may feel unable to act when confronted with it.

Anxiety attack vs heart attack

An anxiety attack is typically associated with intense fear or excessive worry. While it can cause chest pain, the pattern and accompanying symptoms usually differ from those of a heart attack, and symptoms often improve within a few minutes.

In contrast, symptoms of a heart attack tend to last longer than 20 minutes, may worsen with physical activity, and do not always have an obvious trigger. They can also occur at rest. According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort that spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw.

If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, a previous heart attack, or are unsure whether your symptoms could indicate a heart attack, it is important to seek emergency medical care for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Online symptom quiz

To find out the likelihood that you may be having an anxiety attack, select the symptoms you are experiencing below:

This test is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace an evaluation by a psychiatrist or primary care provider.

Possible causes

Anxiety attacks can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Intense fear, particularly in stressful, traumatic, or phobia-related situations
• Excessive worry, such as concerns about finances, work pressure, or major life changes
• Panic disorder
• Side effects of certain medications, including some used to treat hypothyroidism or asthma
• Use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines

They are also more common in people with certain mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Ways to calm an anxiety attack

To help manage an anxiety attack, the following steps may be recommended:

• Breathe slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth

• Drink a calming tea, such as chamomile, valerian, or linden tea

• Express your emotions by crying, shouting if you feel the need, or talking to someone you trust

• Rest and try to clear your mind, avoiding stimulation such as scrolling on your phone or watching television

• Do physical activity, as it can help distract you from the situation causing anxiety and increase the production of neurotransmitters linked to well-being and relaxation

• Take an as-needed anxiety medication if it has been prescribed by your psychiatrist

When an anxiety attack happens for the first time, or if you are unsure whether it is really an anxiety attack, it is important to go to the emergency room to rule out more serious conditions, such as a heart attack.

If anxiety attacks happen very often, you should also seek help from a mental health professional. They can help identify the cause of the attacks and develop strategies to manage moments of intense anxiety so symptoms improve more quickly.

Common medications

Some examples of medications that may be prescribed for anxiety attacks include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or clonazepam. These medications have sedative and anti-anxiety effects and may help relieve symptoms during an attack.

These medications are usually prescribed only when anxiety attacks are very intense and recurrent. According to the FDA, benzodiazepines carry risks of misuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions, so they are generally not recommended for long-term use.