Behavior Technician Questions Psychologist

Can anxiety attacks be life-threatening?

I get anxiety attacks too often. Can anxiety attacks be life-threatening?

6 Answers

While anxiety attacks may feel as if they are life threatening, they are not. Identifying triggers for these and implementing strategies such as breathing exercises, counting backwards from 1000-0, identifying in a step down fashion starting with the number 5 of the things you see, hear, feel, etc. help focus your attention away from the anxiety.
Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are not typically life-threatening on their own. However, they can be distressing and debilitating, causing significant emotional and physical distress. In some cases, panic attacks may lead to symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, which can be frightening.

While anxiety attacks themselves are not usually life-threatening, they can have an impact on a person's quality of life and may increase the risk of certain health problems if they occur frequently or are left untreated. Additionally, in rare cases, severe anxiety attacks may contribute to complications such as fainting, injury from falls, or accidents if they occur in situations where concentration and focus are crucial, such as when driving or operating machinery.

It's essential for individuals experiencing frequent or severe anxiety attacks to seek support from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or mental health therapist, to develop coping strategies, explore treatment options, and address any underlying issues contributing to the anxiety. Early intervention and appropriate management can help improve symptoms and reduce the impact of anxiety attacks on daily life.
Well episodes of severe anxiety and panic attacks can lead an individual to experience symptoms that can present like a cardiac event, evidence shows that panic attacks or anxiety attacks by themselves are not inherently life threatening. However, anxiety attacks can happen due to a variety of factors and seeking prompt help from a mental health provider is best.

Of note, this is just an opinion. If you are experiencing any symptoms that feel life threatening, please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest ER.
Panic attacks can feel life-threatening because of the symptoms that present like you are having a heart attack or you can't breath. The issues is that when we are in a panic mode people tend to do irrational things that could threaten their safety. The key is to get evaluated so that you can begin the road to recovery.
Yes, severe anxiety attacks are serious and in extreme cases could be deadly. Best to get treated early for the anxiety, and you may need medication.
no