Anxiety attacks usually manifest without prior warning and it is very helpful to know how to recognize them and learn what to do to help the patient in such a situation.
Firstly, one should know the symptoms of an anxiety attack - and what an anxiety attack is.
During an anxiety attack, the patient is suddenly overwhelmed by extreme fear without any prior warning.
The patient starts breathing really fast and eventually becomes breathless, his or her chest tightens, he or she starts perspiring profusely, he or she experiences dizziness and headaches.
One should also try to recognize the origin of the panic attack - what is causing the attack, For example, if the patient cannot breathe, it is a symptom of asthma.
If the attack is accompanied by chest pain, it is an indication of a heat attack.
Ordinarily, anxiety attacks cannot cause these ailments.
Being able to locate the source of the anxiety and the reason for the panic is the first step towards helping out the person who is experiencing the attack.
One should take him or her away from the source of anxiety - this often helps, especially when this source is an identifiable material entity like an object, a place or a person.
One should ask the patient what they want one to do for them - this is also important if the person has had anxiety attacks before and knows exactly what he or she needs.
One should attempt to provide whatever comfort possible to him or her and keep him relaxed as much as one is able.
One should be careful that the patient doesn't try or manage to hurt himself or herself.
One should call for professional help if things look like they might get out of hand - and one should make all efforts to let the patient know that help is coming and that he or she will soon be alright.