Many people who have had to deal with an anxiety attack, will quickly be able to recognize the physical symptoms associated with this condition. The first sign that you are having attack will be when you start to breath much more heavily, plus you begin to sweat. Other physical symptoms of an attack, include chest pains, numbness to the bodies extremities and they shake uncontrollably. When a person is having an attack they may find that they only suffer from one or two of the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack, whilst others will suffer from all of those that we have mentioned.

When someone is suffering an anxiety attack for the first time they will often reach for the phone to call for an ambulance as they feel that they may be having a heart attack. But even when they reach hospital and have been told what the problem is they often find that being in a hospital environment helps them to cope and deal with the attack much more easily. Yet for those who suffer from chronic anxiety they will have been shown ways in which they can actually alleviate the symptoms associated with this disorder themselves.

It is believed that a full anxiety attack is related to the 'fight or flight' survival response found in all members of the animal kingdom, including humans. This response is thought to have been responsible for the continued survival of the human race, as it includes a rush of adrenaline, ultra sensitivity to surroundings, and a general aggressiveness. An anxiety attack occurs when this instinctual response is triggered without any obvious cause.

There have been studies carried out in relation to what would happen if a person suffers from repeated anxiety attacks. There is clear evidence to show that these people are at a much higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke at some time in the future. Yet if someone only suffers from one attack, and there is no history of anxiety disorder then the chances of damage being caused to their heart or them suffering any other health effects from it are very unlikely.

What is not clear however is the risk posed to those who regularly suffer attacks. There are some doctors who will argue that even prescribed medications can lead to a person suffering some kind of heart problem. But no matter what an anxiety or panic attack is a clear mention from your body that things are not right and the issue need to be dealt with.

Actually dealing with an attack is not as easy as one would first imagine. Although you doctor may be able to treat the symptoms for you the underlying causes may need you to actually look at yourself more closely. There are various different types of therapy available which can help you deal with the stress that is being placed upon you. One of the effective of these is cognitive behavorial therapy, which helps people to learn ways to alter their reaction when they find themselves in certain stressful situations.

Some people also practice deep breathing exercises or advanced relaxation techniques in conjunction with aroma therapy, acupuncture or regular massage therapy. No matter what anyone else thinks, treating the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack is not a simple matter of 'lightening up', or just 'thinking positively'.

It is crucial that you remember that anxiety is a real medical condition and therefore should be treated in much the same way of any other kind. Certainly, if careful attention is taken to deal with this condition then anyone should find that they can cope and deal with the crippling effects it can place on their lives.