Causes of Panic Attack

A panic attack is described as sudden and spontaneous. It sometimes occurs without showing a definite cause. It may happen in the most unexpected time without any warning - when you are alone and doing nothing, like relaxing and sleeping or in the midst important work with people, or occurring while doing the normal routines in your life like driving, shopping, or even while inside an elevator. You may not have any idea what is happening to you. Panic attacks may also be encountered when you are under too much stress or in a fearful situation that you cannot face or prevent from happening. It does not even matter whether it is real, just an imagination or only anticipation.

According to the American Psychological Association, a panic attack is a sudden urge of overwhelming fear, without any warning. It is common that people get stressed out. Panic attacks are commonly triggered by stress but with greater intensity and suddenness. Panic attacks can be most distinguished by intense fear and abruptness.

Panic attacks may also be associated with genetic factors most especially among immediate family members. There is a great possibility that you may inherit the same condition if a parent or sibling suffers with these attacks. Changes in your life that can be considered a major turning point, whether stressful or joyful like marriage, divorce, death or a loss of job can trigger the occurrence of panic attacks.

People mistakenly think they are suffering from an anxiety disorder when experiencing panic attacks. You should remember that intense anxiety causes panic attacks. In some cases, it can happen. This is because people with anxiety disorder usually have a symptom of panic attack. But the difference is that a panic attack is usually sudden and short-lived, while anxiety disorder, on the other hand, gradually develops and remains as a constant bothersome condition for a longer period of time. Since panic attacks and anxiety disorders can be related to each other treatment of either one of them may benefit both.

Research experts in this field are seeking a common trigger in determining the causes of panic attacks but the results so far are not conclusive. But there are important points that should be considered concerning the causes of panic attacks. One is that panic attacks in some cases is genetically proven and another is that panic attack may be due to malfunction of a particular system of the body or that there are imbalances in the way the body functions. They also determined that there are psychological factors that cause panic attack including various irrational fears and intense stress that comes from heartbreaking grief or loss.

Panic attacks may be a serious condition or not, but what is important is that the proper treatment on the determined causes should be administered by experts or professionals in this field. Early treatments of the causes are essential to be able to function normally.

Biofeedback process can help people control autonomic nervous system issues - Great Falls Tribune

Biofeedback process can help people control autonomic nervous system issues Great Falls Tribune But that survival instinct can cause panic or anxiety. "It's not natural for us to relax again, so we have to teach ourselves," Hessel said. "It's really hard to override those signals when you're having a panic attack." Biofeedback is a process that ... and more »

Asheville heart attack survivors, ages 31 and 64, share their experiences - Asheville Citizen-Times

Asheville heart attack survivors, ages 31 and 64, share their experiences Asheville Citizen-Times “I have a very stressful job, so it never occurred to me that it was anything other than anxiety and stress, essentially until I woke up after surgery in the hospital,” she said. “It wasn't like, 'Oh my heart hurts.' I thought it was a panic attack ... and more »

St. Louis-based Carey, Danis & Lowe Announces Suit Against the Maker of Zoloft - MarketWatch (press release)

St. Louis-based Carey, Danis & Lowe Announces Suit Against the Maker of Zoloft MarketWatch (press release) The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Zoloft for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, acute post--traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and social anxiety disorder. and more »

Panic disorder can be overcome with medication and therapy - Gaston Gazette

Panic disorder can be overcome with medication and therapy Gaston Gazette A panic attack usually lasts five to 30 minutes. But it can continue for several hours. Sometimes the attacks occur in stressful situations, but often they begin for no apparent reason. They can even wake you from deep sleep. For my patients who suffer ... and more »

Use of Animal Therapy in PTSD Treatment Set to Increase According to Igor ... - WebWire (press release)

Use of Animal Therapy in PTSD Treatment Set to Increase According to Igor ... WebWire (press release) More veterans are now being written prescriptions for companion animals to treat PTSD as doctors are realizing that pets can help alleviate anxiety, stress, panic disorder and depression says Igor Purlantov. Studies have also shown that having a pet ... and more »