Anxiety Attack Symptoms: Understanding the Signs and Differences (Updated 2025)

Anxiety attacks, often referred to as panic attacks, can happen suddenly, to the point that many individuals did not become anxious before the anxiety attack occurred, and usually lead the person to feel as if they are suffering from intense fear, dread, and anxiety for seemingly no reason at all.

Although everyone's experience of an anxiety attack is different, the symptoms are generally similar, which is what usually leads to an anxiety attack being experienced or identified as an anxiety attack.

This article explores the symptoms of anxiety attacks and, more specifically, anxiety attacks in females and males, anxiety attacks in children, anxiety attacks in adults, and much, much more. A comparison will also be made, particularly around crying and anxiety attacks and symptoms of anxiety attacks occurring at night and heart attacks and symptoms occurring at night during heart attacks.

What is an anxiety attack?

Anxiety attacks often arise unexpectedly, and they involve extreme fear, apprehension, or panic, in addition to physical symptoms. Typical anxiety attacks come on quickly but don't last too long, and they are very upsetting and can occur to anyone, at any age or gender. It is helpful to recognise the signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks to be more effective in managing them.

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Common Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

• Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations)
  
  

• Shortness of Breath
  
  

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
  
  

• Chest Pain or Tightness
  
  

• Sweating
  
  

• Chills or Hot Flashes
  
  

• Trembling or Shaking
  
  

• Feelings of Dread or Doom
  
  

• Nausea or Stomach Issues

• Numbness or Tingling Sensations

These symptoms could imitate severe conditions, meaning it's critical to distinguish an anxiety attack from other medical emergencies, such as heart attacks.

Anxiety Attack Symptoms in Females

Both men and women can experience anxiety attacks, but women may have different anxiety attack experiences due to fluctuating hormones across stages, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Typical features for women include:

 

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Increased sensitivity to stress: Female hormones can worsen the body’s reaction to stress. More severe physiology: Women can tend to have more severe physical symptoms when experiencing anxiety attacks, including dizziness or nausea.

Mood changes: Anxiety attacks for women can occur with mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotions.

It is also worth noting that female anxiety attacks are often associated with life events such as pregnancy or life stage transitions.

• Increased emotional sensitivity
• Frequent crying spells
• Heightened fear of social judgment
• More pronounced physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headaches)

Anxiety Attack Symptoms in Males

Although anxiety attacks are often attributed more to females, this form of anxiety can also affect males. Males may not always recognise the symptoms of anxiety or may experience it differently. Some symptoms in males might include:

• Avoidance: Males may socially withdraw or avoid situations that trigger anxiety attacks.

• Physical tension: During anxiety attacks, males may feel more muscle tension, headaches, or tightness in the chest.

• Increased frustration: In addition to physical sensations, anxiety attacks could lead to an increase in frustration for males.

 Males might also be less likely than females to seek treatment for anxiety, which can lead to chronic symptoms if left untreated.

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Anxiety Attack Symptoms at Night

For some, anxiety attacks usually manifest at night, affecting sleep and causing a lot of distress. Nighttime anxiety attacks can be caused by stressors that have accumulated throughout the day or by the mind's tendency to ruminate during quiet moments. Symptoms of nighttime anxiety attacks include:

Sudden awakenings with panic: People may wake feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and physical symptoms

Difficulty breathing: Nighttime anxiety attacks may give rise to feelings of suffocation or a sense of being unable to take a breath.

Night sweats: Many people have night sweats when experiencing nighttime anxiety attacks, disrupting sleep.

Palpitations: A racing heart can feel more disturbing when it happens on a still, dark night.

These attacks may resemble other health conditions, such as sleep apnoea or nightmares, but are generally of an anxiety nature.

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Anxiety Attack Symptoms and Crying

Crying is a frequent reaction during anxiety attacks, as the body tries to release the stress and tension that accompany the episode. Some individuals may cry violently for the duration of an anxiety attack, whereas others may simply experience tears forming. Crying can facilitate a release that may temporarily lessen feelings of panic, but often at the price of emotional fatigue. Symptoms associated with crying during anxiety attacks include:

Crying for no specific reason: The crying that happens when someone is in the grips of an attack can be due to the overwhelming emotional distress they are experiencing.

Feelings of helplessness: Crying may indicate the inability to cope with strong emotions.

Fatigue afterwards: After crying, many people feel depleted or fatigued.

Crying is not only a symptom but also a means by which the body regulates the buildup of stress. It is crucial to understand why this occurs to manage episodes of anxiety.

Anxiety Attack vs. Heart Attack: Key Differences

Symptom	Anxiety Attack	Heart Attack

Chest Pain

Sharp, fleeting

Crushing radiates to the arm/jaw

Breathing	Hyperventilation	Shortness of breath
Duration	10-30 minutes	Prolonged (emergency)
Triggers	Stress, fear	Physical exertion

Anxiety Attack Symptoms in Kids

Anxiety attacks are not merely adult issues: anxiety attacks can happen with children as well. However, children may sometimes be unable to explain their feelings, making symptoms more difficult to identify. Here are common symptoms of anxiety attacks in children:

Clinginess: Children may exhibit excessive clinginess and fearfulness, especially in unfamiliar situations.

Physical symptoms It's common for kids to complain about stomachaches, headaches, or feeling dizzy during an anxiety attack.

Children may have difficulty falling asleep or experience nightmares during an anxiety episode. If a child is having regular anxiety attacks, initiating conversation with a professional is essential to determine the causes of their anxiety.

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Anxiety Attack Symptoms in Adults

In grown-ups, anxiety attacks can be brought on by stress, work problems, personal problems, or even a health condition. Some typical symptoms of anxiety in adults include:

• Hyperventilating: Breathing too rapidly can cause dizziness and a sense of impending doom.
• Sweating: Adults might experience profuse sweating, especially during stressful situations.
• Tension in the body: Muscles can feel stiff and uncomfortable because the body is tightening up.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Symptoms of anxiety attacks include both physical and emotional reactions.

✅ Women may sob more, while men might stifle emotional expressions.

✅ Night episodes can interrupt sleep.

✅ Children show symptoms in distinct ways from adults.

✅ If the chest pain is extreme, rule out heart problems.

Call to Action

It is critical to seek treatment from a professional if you or someone you know is struggling with panic attacks. Do not wait until the panic attacks become worse. Discuss available treatment options with a healthcare provider, including counselling, medications, or lifestyle changes.

The earlier you seek treatment for panic attacks, the better you and your loved one can work toward a calmer, more peaceful existence. Make recovery a priority today!

FAQS About Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Can anxiety attacks come out of nowhere?

• Yes, anxiety attacks can come on suddenly without warning. Although they are often associated with stress, they may even occur while someone is relaxed.

Are anxiety attacks the same for everyone?

• No, symptoms vary person to person, and anxiety attacks will also vary by gender, age, and other factors. If I get chest pain during an anxiety attack.

Can I still have a heart attack?

• Chest pain is always a concern with anxiety attacks, and it is essential to consider the two symptoms. If in doubt, it is best to ask for medical advice.

How long do anxiety attacks last?

• Anxiety attacks generally last from 5 to 20 minutes. However, symptoms can last longer based on the underlying anxiety not being resolved.

Do kids get anxiety attacks?

• Yes, kids can get anxiety attacks, but the symptoms may be different from those in adults. Parents should monitor their children for unusual behaviour and seek help as needed.