Answered: What causes panic attacks?
A panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety. This causes the physical sensations of fear. Other sensations include…
Racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Trembling
Muscle tension
Panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly. They are often not related to any external threat.
A panic attack can last from a few minutes to half an hour. However, the physical and emotional effects of the attack may last for a few hours.
Panic attacks are common. Up to 11% of people in the United States experience a panic attack at some point every year. A panic attack is also sometimes referred to as an anxiety attack.
Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can be debilitating. The person may choose to avoid a wide range of situations (such as leaving their home or being alone) for fear of experiencing an attack.
Now that you know what a panic attack is, you might be wondering to yourself what causes panic attacks.
It's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder. That said, some factors come into play. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of panic attacks, what causes panic attacks, and what to do about it.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of a panic attack
Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
heightened vigilance for danger and physical symptoms
anxious and irrational thinking
a strong feeling of dread, danger, or foreboding
fear of going mad, losing control, or dying
feeling lightheaded and dizzy
tingling and chills, particularly in the arms and hands
trembling or shaking, sweating
hot flushes
accelerated heart rate
a feeling of constriction in the chest
breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath
nausea or abdominal distress
tense muscles
dry mouth
feelings of unreality and detachment from the environment
What causes panic attacks?
Scientists found that genetics play an important role in determining the likelihood of a person experiencing panic attacks. Research suggests that having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who suffers from panic attacks makes it more likely that you will also develop panic disorder.
Although there might be several reasons someone struggles with panic disorder, sometimes panic attacks can happen for no reason at all. Unexpected panic attacks have no apparent trigger and can happen at any time.
That said, some common causes of panic attacks fall under three categories: psychological, pharmacological, and environmental causes.
Psychological causes
Chronic stress
Low self-esteem
An existing mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Phobias - people may experience panic attacks as a direct result of exposure to a phobic object or situation
Lack of assertiveness - a growing body of evidence supports the idea that those who suffer from panic attacks engage in a passive style of communication or interactions with others
Pharmacological causes
Alcohol, drugs, or medication withdrawal
Medication side effects
Excessive caffeine intake
Environmental causes
Chronic physical illnesses such as cancer
Significant life changes such as losing a job, becoming a parent, and moving house
Experiencing a significant personal loss, including bereavement, or the breakdown of a relationship with a romantic partner
‘Maintaining’ behavior such as avoiding panic-provoking situations or environments, anxious/negative self-talk, dysfunctional beliefs, and withheld feelings
When to seek a doctor
If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks are not dangerous despite being intensely uncomfortable. That said, panic attacks are hard to manage on your own. They may get worse without treatment.
Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems. For example, it may resemble a heart attack. Therefore, your primary care provider needs to evaluate you if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.
How to help your doctors diagnose you accurately
Speaking of symptoms and primary care doctors, you might find yourself struggling to communicate the intensity and severity of your panic attacks. Sometimes it's hard to put these intense emotions into words.
We have a tool to help you communicate your symptoms to your doctor.
With the help of a Chartam mental health planner, you can keep track of your panic attacks. You can note down how long they last and the symptoms listed above in the symptom indicator log.
Note down whether or not you experienced…
Rapid, pounding heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
Chills
Hot flashes
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Chest pain
Headache
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
Numbness or tingling sensation
A feeling of unreality or detachment
You can keep track of how often you have these symptoms by coloring in the respective box. Depending on the color you use, you can keep track of the intensity of the symptom, letting your doctor know if your panic attacks are getting worse or better over time.
Make sure you keep your symptom log up-to-date and note it down every time you feel the anxiety building within you. This will help your doctor understand your situation and whether or not the medicine is working.
Conclusion
There's no sure way to prevent panic attacks or panic disorder. However, these recommendations may help.
Get treatment for panic attacks as soon as possible. Treatment can help stop them from getting worse or becoming more frequent.
Stick with your treatment plan. This will help prevent relapses or worsening of panic attack symptoms.
Keep track of your symptoms. This will let your doctor know if your treatment plan is working or if it needs modification.
Get regular physical activity, which may play a role in protecting against anxiety.
