The Cause Of Panic Attacks
A panic attack is an extreme feeling of anxiety that comes over a person suddenly, a feeling of fear and anxiety can strike for no apparent reason and without any warning. It can make breathing difficult and the heart seems to race, shaking and sweating can happen while the attack takes place. There are many things that can trigger an attack, although what actually is behind this unpleasant condition is not understood.
Research has been done and continues, for a reason why panic attacks happen. Looking into whether a gene can be passed on from a parent the same way other conditions can be genetically passed down through generations has been looked at and there are panic disorders that have shown to run in family history. So a person could inherit the condition of experiencing panic attacks. It has been shown among some people that they are not the only family member to suffer from some kind of panic disorder or other emotional disorder.
The body and its biological make up has its own defense system and is normally triggered by some kind of threat or danger and shows itself through physical and mental mechanisms in our body like a higher heart rate and faster breathing known to be our natural fight or flight system, which prepares the body for dealing with whatever the threat or danger that it may be exposed to.
This natural body defense system is said to be triggered when a panic attack occurs even though there may be no obvious signs of danger or threat to the person, the reason for this is still unknown. Could it be an abnormality in the brain that may be a possible cause of panic and this may be due to certain functions in the brain changing.
Psychotic disorders such a post traumatic stress and schizophrenia are often accompanied with panic attacks and these psychotic episodes may foretell the onset of an anxiety disorder and may lead onto a panic attack.
The trigger of a panic attack can be caused by certain stresses in our lives such as divorce or the separation or death of a loved one, these are major stresses that can lower our overall resistance and bring on panic disorders. Even less stressful situations or events, Such as work related stress or even crossing a bridge when heights are a phobia can trigger a panic attack.
The use or addiction to alcohol or drugs can be a more environmental reason for a panic disorder, the withdrawal of these things can bring on the stress that can trigger a panic attack. The stress of not knowing where ones next fix or hit of alcohol or drugs may come from, can cause panic in itself and the consumption of such drugs can speed the heart rate and this can consciously set off a panic attack by its very panic like symptom.
Although a panic attack normally comes out of nowhere, they can also be brought on by the very worry of when then next attack might happen. The reason for panic attacks is not fully understood, so it is important to get help or treatment from several different kinds of therapy.
