What Causes a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks usually occur with little to no warning and can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. Today, more than 4 million Americans suffer from panic attacks. So what are they and why do they happen?
Panic attacks can occur for a variety of reasons. One theory is that the body thinks that it is in danger and goes into defense mode, when in reality there is no danger at all. This usually occurs once the body’s nerves are being tested, so to speak. Because of this, panic attacks occur more frequently after a person has been through a stressful situation or event. They can also be caused by certain kinds of medications, as well as happen more frequently during pregnancy.
The leading cause of panic attacks is a reaction to a stressful event. The event could even have occurred as far back as childhood. On the other hand, it can also be recent, such as a life transition.
There are also some disorders that can make a person likely to suffer from panic attacks. Some of these disorders are bi-polar disorder, obsessive-compulsiveness, separation anxiety disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder. Likewise, chronic fatigue syndrome has been associated with them. Marijuana and ecstasy overdose can also lead to panic attacks.
The symptoms of a panic attack are similar to those of a heart attack. Some of the physical symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, hot flashes, dizziness, and trouble breathing. The person may or may not have all of these symptoms at once.
There are also emotional symptoms that occur during a panic attack. These could be feelings of terror, feeling dreamlike, the feeling of losing control, or feeling as if walls are closing in. On the other hand, the person can also feel as if they are in a large, unprotected space and have a sudden fear of openness.
There are some triggers that can lead to the frequency of panic attacks. Caffeine, a stimulant, is one of these triggers. If a stressful situation has lead to the panic disorder, then reminders of this situation can also be triggers. These can be memories and thoughts of the event, or even a smell or noise that is associated with the situation.
More than 50% of people who suffer from panic attacks claim that hot and stuffy environments trigger panic attacks. A drop in temperature can also be a trigger.
There are several forms of treatment for panic disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psycho-therapy, meditation and relaxation techniques, and medication. Some forms of anti-depressants, such as Prozac, as well as medication used to treat anxiety disorders, such as Klonipin, have been used in panic attack treatments.
It is a good idea to consult a physician if you find that you are having more panic attacks than usual, or if you start having them for the first time. Panic attacks do not generally pose serious risks, but they can affect the overall quality of your life. They can lead to social anxiety, as well as depression. People who have recurring panic attacks are also pre-disposed to heart disease. With treatment, however, panic attacks can be overcome.
Related posts:
- Anxiety and Panic Attack: How to Stop It You can cope with anxiety and panic attack. Now, there are many ways for you to minimize, or even stop the chances of having a panic attack. No longer would you have to feel those unnecessary and scary sensations that come along with the disorder. Read this article and find out more about panic attacks and how you can deal with it....
- Tips to Overcoming a Panic Attack An anxiety attack is something that many people do not truly understand, until they experience one for themselves. A few lucky people will go their whole lives without ever experiencing an attack. Others will find that they will experience at least one during their lifetime. However, for those that have these attacks on a regular basis, treatment is needed. Luckily, there is anxiety relief out there....
- Anxiety and Panic Attack: How You Can Stop Them You can cope with anxiety and panic attack. Now, there are many ways for you to minimize, or even stop the chances of having a panic attack. No longer would you have to feel those unnecessary and scary sensations that come along with the disorder. Read this article and find out more about panic attacks and how you can deal with it....
- Panic Attacks-How Can You Recognize A Panic Attack Panic attacks can occur everyday or sporadically. However, when the person experiencing the attacks is you, even one attack seems to be too many. Panic attacks can make your world seem smaller and less enjoyable. Getting help in relieving panic attacks as soon as possible will make coping with this disease easier....
- Panic Attack Symptoms Anxiety is not only a serious but also a complex mental health problem to handle. When it elevates to the extent of panic attacks, this become more serious and scary. Not all people understand what exactly a real panic attack happen to be. Even those who suffer these attacks may not totally realize what is going on. This is why it is so vital to comprehend panic attack symptoms. Understanding these symptoms permits the sufferer to search out the correct treatment to help them with their issue....
Written by Aaron Piertzen on October 21st, 2009 with
no comments.
Read more articles on Wellness.
- [+] Digg: Feature this article
- [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
- [+] Furl: Bookmark this article