Causes Of Panic Attacks & Conditions That Trigger It

Causes Of Panic Attacks

Panic attack is an un-nerving and unsettling experience. It shakes your confidence to the core. For most, it might happen once in their lifetime. But for a few it can be of a recurring nature: and then it becomes a panic disorder.

It is observed that prior to the onset of anxiety attacks there is some triggering event which starts a chain reaction of anxiety and panic attacks.

Some of the major life events that have the potential to become the triggers for anxiety attacks are:

• Moving out of the house for the first time,
• Taking on new responsibilities due to a promotion or a new job,
• Conflict with parents or spouse,

We cannot say that the above are the causes of panic attacks per se; but these can become the immediate triggers for experiencing an attack.

In a given individual case specific causes of panic attacks are hard to point out. This is a condition which comes about due to a combination of factors. We will explain those factors below; but you should understand that a combination of any of these factors might be playing a dominant role in a given case of panic disorder.

We can divide the causes of panic attacks under three categories – physiological, psychological and social.

Physiological Causes of Panic Attacks: Man vs. Mind

Panic attacks are exaggerated reactions to situations or conditions that are perceived to be threatening. It could be public places, social gatherings, shopping malls, roads, or some situations like driving, using the elevator, etc. On their own these situations seem to be quite commonplace, but in the mind of the sufferer of panic attacks, these are threatening.

Let us understand how this emotional association is formed and how it can be reversed.

These associations can be understood by studying the Amygdala, which are small glands present in the brain that holds memories, and emotions associated with those memories. If Amygdala perceives a situation as threatening it instructs the body as such, which then reacts accordingly.

Panic attacks occur when Amygdala starts perceiving a seemingly non-threatening situation as threatening; and body, taking its cue from Amygdala, reacts as if there is a real threat: one may experience fast and shallow breathing, pounding heart, sweating, choking sensation, nausea, dizziness, etc.

This 'over reaction' of Amygdala can be somewhat controlled with the help of medication, which are generally anti-depressants or sedatives. These medications provide temporary relief from symptoms, but the real cure lies in modifying the behavior of Amygdala through changing its threat perception. This can be done through Cognitive Therapy or Progressive Desensitization or both, in a supportive environment.

You can take the help of a self help program called Linden's Method, which also provides you with back support by trained psychologists. Success rate is stated to be 96%.

Social Causes of Panic Attacks: Childhood and Parenting

Panic attacks can occur due to some social situations which are beyond one's control. Such situations can occur during childhood or even later on. When these conditions occur, they predispose one to panic attacks or other anxiety disorders.

Some of the conditions which have been found to produce anxiety disorders are:

• Over-protective and controlling parents who are reluctant to allow their child to become independent,
• Overly critical or perfectionist parents,
• Parents who themselves are suffering from an anxiety disorder,
• Living in an unstable environment, e.g., with alcoholic parents,
• Childhood abuse, sexual or physical,
• Separation from one or more parents due to divorce or death,
• Some traumatic experience in childhood or later in life.

Psychological Causes of Panic Attacks: Personality Traits

There are many underlying personality factors that predispose one to developing anxiety disorders.

It is observed that certain personality traits are commonly found in people suffering from anxiety disorders: they are generally low in self esteem, have a feeling of inadequacy and avoid facing problems. Some or all of the following traits can be found in such a personality:

• He avoids dealing with stress.
• As a result of the above, he has not learned to deal with uncomfortable emotions, like anxiety, and anger, etc.
• He doubts his ability to handle life's difficult situations: there is an element amount of dependence in his personality. Such a person is always looking for people on whom he can lean.
• He is not assertive, not sure of himself.
• He is always looking for approval from others, without which he seems not to be able to survive. He is mortally afraid of criticism, and goes out of his way to please others. This craving for approval might also make him a perfectionist and/or a workaholic.
• He is always in a state of nervousness and anxiety.
• He is a "worrier", always worrying about one problem or the other.
• He always need to be "in control".

Obviously, as you can deduce from the above, behind such a personality are hidden some problems: a lack of understanding of emotions, how to deal with them in self and in others, how to handle conflicts, fear of failure, fear of success, avoidance of new and/or difficult situations. Since he keeps on avoiding them, he is not able to learn to deal with them.

The resolution of these problems is a must before one can feel the power of independence and be able to live life to the fullest. Else it becomes a vicious circle!

If the occasional panic attacks are not treated in time, they might lead to full blown anxiety disorder and agoraphobia.

You can take the help of a self help program, which is also recommended and endorsed by psychologists and health professions. Click here to know more.

Further Reading

Cope With Stress and Anxiety: Four Steps to Reduced Stress
Coping With Anxiety: 6 Steps To A Happier Life
Causes Of Panic Attacks: Which Personality Type Is More Susceptible?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Common Anxiety Symptoms
Nine Steps To Overcoming Anxiety: An Action Plan
How To Relieve Anxiety Naturally & Develop Equanimity
Effect of fear On Your Thoughts
Anxiety Treatment Options: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Other Alternatives
GABA Foods: Natural Anti-Anxiety Nutrition
Practice Self Hypnosis for Stress and Anxiety Relief
Effective Relaxation Techniques
When Cause Of Stress Is Low Self Esteem
Successfully Coping With Anxiety Through Positive Actions

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