Q: Can you email me some general traits on anxiety attacks? It would be greatly appreciated.

A: People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually have a background of constant worry. GAD is now diagnosed after six-months of constant worry over a particular situation or event that may or may not happen; eg. marital problems, financial problems, work or family-related problems. The main symptoms people experience may be heart palpitations, racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, shaking, etc. In fact, any of the symptoms on our symptoms page. An anxiety attack is the experience of up to four of these symptoms, although people may have more. Over four is considered a panic attack.

It is important to have symptoms checked out by your doctor to make sure there is nothing physically wrong. It is important that you don't self-diagnose. If you have GAD, you may wish to ask your doctor to refer you to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. A therapist would be able to help you.

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