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Causes Of Panic Attacks: Are They Normal?

Have you ever woken up from a dream broken into cold sweat? What you feel after a 'fall' nightmare is panic. Panic attacks are fairly common. In fact, most of us must have faced at least a few panic attacks in our lives. The causes of panic attacks are varied. Every person may have a unique cause for panic.

What we are examining today is whether or not panic attacks are a sign of deeper mental illness. To identify the root of panic, lets check out the natural causes of panic attacks first.

Panic Attacks

<strong>Pregnancy</strong>Pregnancy

Panic attacks are very common in the first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, explained panic is seen as a sign of early pregnancy.

<strong>Menopause</strong>Menopause

Hormonal imbalance can cause panic in a woman. Just like pregnancy, menopause causes a huge hormonal upheaval in a woman's body. So, it is normal to get panicked about small issues in menopause.

<strong>Addiction</strong>Addiction

When you are addicted to a substance and your body craves for it, you go into panic mode. This can happen for addictions like smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine and even for narcotic drugs in a more severe manner.

<strong>Stress</strong>Stress

When you are already stressed out, even a minor trigger can cause a panic attack. For example, you have lots of work pressure and you leave late from office to catch a flight. At the airport, you are not able to find your ticket. You know you can get a print out on the spot, but the stress here can push you into a panic attack.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people are genetically more predisposed to stress and panic. This is a question of temperament. Given the same situation, a cool headed person will not panic but a person prone to stress surely will.

All these are normal causes of panic attacks. They are not signs of mental illness. Actually, the severity of a panic attack determines its relationship with mental illness. If you hurt someone in panic or lose control on yourself, then it could be sign of psychosis. Also, if you are perpetually in panic mode, then you might be having an emotional imbalance.

Do you go into panic attacks often? Check these causes to know if its normal.

Story first published: Thursday, February 28, 2013, 13:59 [IST]
Read more about: mental health health disease