Panic Disorder Runs In The Family
Experts do not know exactly what causes panic attacks. When our body perceives danger, it reacts by either preparing to run away or deal with the situation. This is called "flee or flight". When this happens we get a burst of energy, our heart rate increases and we breathe heavily. A panic attack occurs when this situation is triggered when there is no real danger.
During a panic or anxiety attack the sufferer has an intense feeling of fear or terror. Besides the racing heartbeat and troubled breathing, the sufferer may have chest pain or tightness of the chest. Many first timers end up in the emergency room thinking that they are having a heart attack.
Why some people are more susceptible than others we don't know. There is evidence that panic disorder runs in families. If you had a parent that suffered from panic disorder, depression or bipolar disorder, you may have a higher chance of developing a panic disorder also.
Major life stresses or physical illness initially seem to be what causes panic attacks. Also there are some medications that may trigger the attack. Once a person has their first attack, subsequent attacks may be brought on just from the fear of having another. There are programs to help reduce the fear associated with having another attack.
Some other possible causes of panic attacks are:
- Depression
- Alcohol or other drug abuse
- Too much nicotine or caffeine
Even though it's not known what causes panic attacks, there are things you can do to handle the attack once it starts. Remember that people don't die from panic attacks. It may seem like you are but it is all an ill-perceived threat. Breath deeply and think about something calming. Do whatever you can to get through those 10 to 20 minutes of terror.
Don't let panic attacks get in the way of your normal day to day activities. Learning how to confront and overcome the feelings that trigger the attack will keep them at bay.
Click Here To Find Out How A Former Panic Attack Sufferer Eliminated His Panic Attacks!