Panic Attacks & Their Causes

When there is no real danger or apparent cause, a panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that causes severe physical reactions. Attacks of panic can be extremely frightening. You might believe you are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying during a panic attack.

Most people will only experience one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, and the problem will go away, possibly when a stressful situation comes to an end. However, you may have a condition known as a panic disorder if you have experienced frequent, unannounced panic attacks for an extended period and lived in constant fear of having another one.

Although panic attacks do not pose a threat to one's life, they can be frightening and have a significant impact on one's quality of life. However, treatment can be very successful.

Symptoms

The majority of panic attacks begin suddenly and without warning. They can strike while you're driving, in the middle of a business meeting, at the mall, or while you're asleep. You might experience panic attacks regularly or just occasionally. There are many different types of panic attacks, but the symptoms typically peak within minutes. After a panic attack passes, you might feel tired and worn out.

Most of the time, panic attacks have some of these signs or symptoms:

1. Fear of imminent doom or danger
2. Rapid pounding heart rate
3. Sweating
4. Trembling or shaking
5. Shortness of breath or tightness in your throats
6. Chills
7. Hot flashes
8. Nausea
9. Abdominal cramping
10. Chest pain
11. Headache
12. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
13. Numbness or tingling sensation
14. A sense of unreality or detachedness is some of the worst symptoms of panic attacks.

You might avoid certain situations in which you might experience panic attacks because you are so afraid of them.

Causes

Although the exact cause of panic attacks and panic disorder is unknown, the following factors may play a role:

1. Genetics
2. Major stress
3. A temperament more prone to stress or negative emotions
4. Changes in how certain parts of your brain work.

Panic attacks can start suddenly and without warning at first, but over time, they are usually triggered by certain things. Panic attacks may be caused by your body's natural "fight or flight" response to danger, according to some research. Your body, for instance, would instinctively react if a grizzly bear came after you. As your body prepared for a potentially life-threatening situation, your breathing and heart rate would accelerate. During a panic attack, many of the same reactions occur. However, the reason behind a panic attack when there is no obvious danger is unknown.

Prevention

1. There is no surefire way to avoid panic disorder or attacks. However, these suggestions might be helpful.
2. To help prevent panic attacks from getting worse or becoming more frequent, seek treatment as soon as possible.
3. To help prevent relapses or worsening of panic attack symptoms, adhere to your treatment plan.
4. Engage in regular physical activity, which may aid in anxiety prevention.