What are the Common Triggers and Causes of Panic Attacks?

What are some common triggers and causes of panic attacks?

In a lot of cases, these occur with no warning at all. Usually, there is no definite reason for it happening. Believe it or not, it could even happen when you are asleep or relaxed. At times, an attack is a one-time event. However, there are those who experience repeated episodes. When such a recurrence happens, these are usually triggered by a certain situation such as public speaking or crossing a road. Usually, the situation which has triggered an event is one wherein you feel endangered.

These could occur more than once. At times, such attacks happen as part of a panic disorder such as depression or social phobia. Whatever the cause may be, do know that they are very much treatable. Though they usually strike when one is away from family, they could actually happen anytime. You may be shopping or driving your car or you might be sitting on your couch.

The signs of an oncoming tension could abruptly develop and then reach its peak in ten minutes. A lot of these  usually end in twenty to thirty minutes. It is very rare for one to last for more than sixty minutes. The instance this occurs, the following signs could be seen: heart palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, trembling, nausea, hot flashes or cold flashes, numbness, fear of dying, feeling of going crazy.

You might be suffering from a panic disorder if you experience unexpected problems which are not connected with a particular situation, worry about an incoming panic attack and are avoiding areas where you have experienced a previous issue.

Though the specific causes of these tense-filled moments are not clear, there is a tendency for such to run in certain families. There is also a connection with main life changes such as entering a new workplace, college graduation, having a baby or getting married. Major stress such as a loved one’s death, job loss or divorce are a few triggers and causes of panic attacks.

Also, this problem might be due to medical causes or physical conditions. If you feel panic symptoms, it is a must that you see a medical doctor in order to remove the possibilities of you having mitral valve prolapse (a cardiac problem which occurs when the valves of the heart incorrectly close), hypoglycemia, medication withdrawal, stimulant use.

A few possible treatments for such a problem include cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment focuses on a person’s thinking patterns and behaviors. Exposure therapy is another form of treatment. This is where one is is exposed to the physical causes and sensations of panic in an environment that is controlled and safe. This allows the individual to learn more healthy ways of coping. A person could be asked to shake his or head, hyperventilate or hold one’s breath.

All in all, the triggers and causes of panic attacks are many but these will not have power over you if you go through the helpful treatments and take control of your fears.

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