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What Causes Panic Attacks?

What causes panic attacks? A panic attack is nothing but a sudden feeling of fear in overwhelming levels. The person who suffers this condition will be engulfed in fear all of a sudden. The heart beats faster and the person will not be able to breathe for some time. In some cases, the person may also feel that death is approaching. When panic attack is not treated on time, it may lead to another complication called as panic disorder.

Ways To Stop Panic Attacks

The person who undergoes such experiences will naturally feel like distancing from certain activities or places that are triggers for panic attacks. Experts say panic attacks can be cured.

How to deal with panic attacks? It is important to seek help on time and get the condition attended by health care professionals. Research suggests that after the treatment, the symptoms can be eliminated and the person can gradually get back to normal life. Now, let us discuss what causes panic attacks.

Unresolved Emotions

Unresolved Emotions

What triggers panic attacks? Any past or present event which is too traumatic to handle can be a stressor or even a trigger. Some studies say that people who have undergone violent attacks or sexual abuse do have more chances of undergoing panic attacks.

Genes

Genes

If anyone else in the family history suffered with panic attacks, the risk would be a bit higher for others in the family as this disorder can also be passed on to another generation.

Other Disorders

Other Disorders

Various other medical conditions, disorders and phobias may also lead to panic attacks. A study showed that people who suffered certain psychological problems had also faced panic attacks.

Fatigue

Fatigue

Sleeplessness and fatigue could be dangerous. When carbon dioxide and sodium lactate levels increase in your body due to lack of enough sleep, your breathing process goes deeper and deeper and this may also result in a panic attack.

Diet Reasons

Diet Reasons

Consuming too much of caffeine and sugar might be dangerous as they can cause stress and trigger anxiety which might lead to a panic attack.

Stress

Stress

When you are stressed out, your body produces more cortisol and adrenaline. When the feelings of anxiety reach a peak, it can be one of the causes of panic attacks.

Fear

Fear

When a person undergoes fear for a very long period of time, then it cold be dangerous as it makes the person more sensitive to this disorder. Such a person will have a higher risk.

Brain Chemistry

Brain Chemistry

What triggers panic attacks? Some studies also say that very low serotonin levels may also be one of the reasons for panic attacks. There are still some ongoing studies on this aspect.

Alcohol And Drugs

Alcohol And Drugs

Alcohol and drugs could be dangerous especially when a person is sensitive to panic attacks. They make the system vulnerable to panic attacks.

What To Do?

What To Do?

Firstly, medical supervision is compulsory. Reducing stress helps; eating healthy foods is important. Working on unresolved issues may be of good help. The person should rest well.

Story first published: Thursday, February 12, 2015, 19:31 [IST]
Read more about: health disorder