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Causes Of Panic Attacks: Which Personality Type Is More Susceptible?

Is There A Method?

Panic Attacks - fear takes over.
Photo: T Boonyarangkul

Suffering Panic attacks can be a shattering experience for anyone. Besides the physical symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, palpitation, chest pain, shaking, cold sweat, etc.; the worst experience is that of losing 'hold', of the world swirling out of control. As if the life will never be the same again.

There is a gripping fear of 'fear' – the fear of next impending attack – when, where? The shame, guilt and helpless anger overwhelm your heart and mind.

There are three factors that predispose a person to anxiety or attacks-

  1. Genetic,
  2. Psychological, and,
  3. Social.

Psychological factors - Personality And Genes

Psychologists, through their personal experience, observe that some types of personalities are more vulnerable to anxiety attacks.

The typical person who is susceptible to panic attacks has not learned to deal with conflict, anger and other uncomfortable emotions. He avoids stressful situations and hence never learns to deal with them.

He has problem dealing with emotions in general. He is afraid of being embarrassed and may become perfectionist to avoid any kind of criticism.

Some common personality traits of such people are-

  • Overly critical,
  • Emotionally sensitive,
  • Low self esteem, tries to please everyone, overly concerned about others' opinion about self,
  • Sensitive to criticism, easily embarrassed, prone to guilt,
  • Internally nervous,
  • Easily irritated,
  • Worrier, obsessive thinking,
  • Needs to appear in control,

Stressful circumstances, during the early stages of development, increase general anxiety levels in an individual.

Often it is observed that the childhood conditions that make one prone to anxiety and panic are such that they make the child unsure of her capabilities, make her over-dependent on others, and generally make her feel unsafe and insecure in the world.

Later on, such a child grows into an individual who is incapable of dealing with adverse situations.

The childhood conditions that may make one prone to anxiety and panic attacks are -

  • Parents who are over protective or anxious or both,
  • Living in a disturbing environment like alcoholic or abusive parents, family conflicts, etc.,
  • Not getting enough praise, being overly criticized,
  • Where the child is given too much responsibilities at a very young age,
  • Suffering of a traumatic loss or separation, and,
  • Abuse – physical, mental, emotional or sexual.

Genetic Factors Of Panic Attacks

Generally, there are 2 to 5 percent chances of suffering from an anxiety disorder in one's lifetime.

But, if one of the parents has suffered from anxiety disorders, the risk increase to 10-15 per cent.

Moreover, a child who is extremely shy and reacts to unfamiliar environment with lots of distress is prone to such attacks.


Social Factors – Stress, Conflict, etc.

It is observed that majority of the people who suffer panic attacks (some place this figure as high as 80%) had lived through some stressful situation prior to the commencement of panic symptoms. The situations such as the following are extremely stressful for any person –

  • Conflict with one's parents or spouse, making one fearful to the loss of relationship,
  • Leaving home for the first time,
  • Some threat to one's autonomy, or,
  • Taking up of a new responsibility.

We can say that behind panic attacks is an anxious personality which is suffering from negative thinking patterns, which have arisen due to some genetic or social conditions. Low self esteem, unresolved conflicts, lack of understanding of dealing with emotions, avoidance of difficult situations and failure to learn to deal with them are essential parts of such personalities.

The way out can be found by dealing with these thinking patterns, which have become a part of the personality, and, somehow molding them. A comprehensive method, often recommended by experts can be found by Clicking Here!



Further Reading

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Is it Normal?

Causes Of Panic Attacks: Which Personality Type Is More Susceptible?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Cope With Stress and Anxiety: Four Steps to Reduced Stress

Ways of Dealing With Anxiety And Fear

Practice Self Hypnosis for Stress and Anxiety Relief

Meditation: Stress Relief Through Awareness

Effective Relaxation Techniques

Guided Imagery: Write Your Own Script!

Top 10 Relaxation CD, DVDs, Tapes And MP3 Downloads

When Cause Of Stress Is Low Self Esteem

Back to HOME from Causes of Panic Attacks


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