Panic attacks are a form of an anxiety disorder in which the person exhibits a specific set of symptoms. There are differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks that involve the length and intensity of the symptoms. People who suffer from anxiety attacks find that the symptoms come on more slowly than with panic attacks and the symptoms in anxiety attacks last longer than those in people suffering from panic attacks.
Research from the Mayo Clinic believes that between 10 and 20% of US citizens will have a panic attack at some point in their lives.
A panic attack happens with the natural flight or fight reaction kicks in at the wrong time. This is an involuntary physiological response that happens when the body is preparing to deal with an emergency or dangerous situation. When stress causes an increase in adrenaline it will cause the body to increase metabolism to quickly produce energy. The muscles become tense, heart beat and breathing accelerate and the blood composition actually changes slightly.
At times outside of a dangerous situation these symptoms can be frightening and distressing. A person experiencing these symptoms can find that thinking clearly is nearly impossible.
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Did anyone proof read this article? I like many of the health status articles, but some are poorly written which leaves the reader doubting their validity. Do you have sources for low iron leading to anxiety disorders? I am licensed therapist and have never heard or read this. Thank you for your time.
Kathy
Anemic women who had recently given birth reduced their risk of depression and anxiety when taking an iron supplement. 2005 The American Society for Nutritional Sciences J. Nutr. 135:267-272, Feb 2005 Nutritional Epidemiology Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia Affects Postpartum Emotions and Cognition
Anxiety can be caused by worry and stress but can also be caused by hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
Anemia can cause a rapid heart rate – similar to a panic attack.
Therefore it is my opinion that if you are suffering from anxiety you may need to have some blood work done to determine if there is a physiological reason.