10 anxiety and panic attack facts
We will describe 10 facts about anxiety and panic attacks; focusing on its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Let’s start with the basics.
We all have stress and fear but most can can control them. This is not anxiety, and it is not a disease.
True (clinical) anxiety is defined as ‘unreasonable fear’. It is more than ‘normal stress’. It can range from mild problem to severe illness.
1. Prevalence
Anxiety (and depression), are the most common mental illnesses in the UK.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder.
2. Physical symptoms
Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. But many people with an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring disorder or physical illness, which can make their symptoms worse and recovery more difficult. So it is essential to be treated for both disorders.
3. Medical attention
People with anxiety are 3-5x as likely to go to a doctor. Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are often caused by anxiety (or depression).
4. Treatment
This includes medication, therapy, or a combination of both. It is possible to manage and overcome anxiety disorders with proper treatment and support. It often gets better with time.
There are various types, that we will now go through.
5. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
This is a chronic condition that involves excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday events.
6. Panic disorder
This is characterised by sudden, unexpected panic attacks that can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
7. What is a panic attack?
Panic attacks are a type of fear response. They’re an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to danger, stress or excitement.
What do panic attacks feel like?
During a panic attack, physical symptoms can build up very quickly. These can include:
- A pounding or racing heartbeat
- Feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed
- Feeling very hot or very cold
- Sweating, trembling or shaking
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Pain in your chest or abdomen
- Struggling to breathe or feeling like you’re choking
- Feeling like your legs are shaky or are turning to jelly
- Feeling disconnected from your mind, body or surroundings, which are types of dissociation.
8. Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
This is an intense fear of social situations and can cause people to avoid social situations altogether.
9. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
This involves unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that are followed by repetitive behaviour or mental acts (compulsions).
10. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviour.
Summary
We have described 10 facts about anxiety and panic attacks, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment. We hope it has helped you.
Other resources
10 facts and figures about depression
Anxiety (NHS England)
Anxiety (NHS Scotland)
