One of the most horrible things about anxiety attacks is that their warning signs are also signs of other health problems. Because of this, it is often hard for people to realize that they are actually having anxiety attacks and not, in fact, suffering from something else, which means that they might not be given the correct treatment. Even if you haven't ever had an anxiety attack, it is important that you learn how to identify the signs of one because then, if you start to experience any of the symptoms of an attack you can ask yourself if you are suffering from a physical or mental problem.

Here are the symptoms of anxiety attacks that are the most common:

Pain in the chest
Lightheaded or Dizziness
Flexing/curling or cramping of toes or fingers
Hyperventilating
Sweating
Shaking
Heart starts pounding
Hot flashes
Cold flashes
The feeling that you are going to die
The sensation that you've lost touch with the people around you or the surroundings themselves
Intense feelings of losing control and/or embarrassment
The feeling that something terrible is going to happen (impending doom)
Palpitations of the heart
Racing heart
Diarrhea
Nausea
Uncomfortable or painful stomach
Tingling in your extremities
Numbness or tingling in your moth and lips
Feelings of suffocation

A lot of these signs and symptoms are also signs and symptoms of medical problems like heart attacks or food poisoning. If you start to feel any of these symptoms it is essential that you teach yourself how to take a moment to question whether the symptoms might actually be signs of an anxiety attack. This is easier if you learn how to calm yourself down when these symptoms present themselves. If you stop feelings these symptoms once you've calmed down, you were having an anxiety attack. If they persist even after your attempts at relaxation, you need to see your physician as soon as possible.

If you are related to someone who regularly suffers from anxiety attacks, it is probable that you will have anxiety attacks yourself. Obviously the only person who can give you the official "anxiety disorder" diagnosis is a professional mental health specialist. If you suspect that you could be prone to an anxiety disorder or if you notice that anxiety attack symptoms have been happening to you regularly, you should find a counselor and ask for a professional diagnosis.

Once you've found a therapist, the two of you will work together (along with your family and friends) to decide upon the best methods to prevent and work through anxiety attacks. It is vital that you let the important people in your life know about your diagnosis and teach them about the warning signs of anxiety attacks. That way, if you find that you can't comfort yourself, your friends and family can step in and help.

By recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks, you will be better able to work through the attacks and calm yourself down.