The Causes of Panic Attacks and How to Determine Them

For those who experience panic attacks, it can be quite frustrating when even your doctor can not help you determine what causes them. As your doctor has probably already explained, they don't fully understand what causes panic attacks either. Luckily though, there is a great deal that is known about them, and many possibilities as to their cause. Symptoms vary greatly for different sufferers of panic attacks, as well as being quite variable. Your attacks are hopefully being managed with the help of your doctor. For the most part, this is the best option a person can hope for, is to minimize the symptoms and return to a daily routine.

Theories for what cause panic attacks do exist. First, though, it's important to realize that a panic attack occurs when there you sense danger or a threat, and you perceive that you cannot avoid it. Remember though, that typically this is not a real threat. During an attack, your mind believes this threat to be real. One particular theory states that an attack is simply an inappropriate response by the alarm sensing mechanisms to external perceptions. In plain English, these perceptions are believed real even when not. Since the mind controls the body, your body reacts as if the threat is real, even though it is a false alarm. There are certain classes of illicit drugs that can induce panic attacks in those who are, or may be, susceptible to them. Certain drugs have been none to "tip the scales" among people who are prone to panic attacks. Among the drugs that do this are drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and marijuana. While some cases are the result of use and overuse there are other cases that are the result of withdrawal symptoms. The latter refers to Ecstasy withdrawal and has been identified as inducing certain panic attack symptoms. It is up to you to prevent these specific types of panic attacks. It's a good idea to discuss these risks with your physician if you are taking these types of drugs.

Existing psychological and physical conditions can include panic attacks as a symptom of the primary medical problem. Anxiety disorders of actual kinds are notorious for causing panic attacks. Keep in mind the symptoms of panic attacks are very wide, indeed, and encompass manifestations throughout the body. Another matter that bothers millions of individuals is that of phobias. There are very specific types of phobias as well as the more generalized type such as social phobia. Other syndromes include the ordinary obsessive-compulsive, separation anxiety, and PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Understandably, those that suffer from panic attacks wish to know what cause them. As always, it does seem to help, the more information you can collect about the nature of these attacks. Try to take note of the conditions in which they happen. Commonalities may show up in the place they occur, the time of day or maybe the weather conditions.

Of course, the more you know, the better you are equipped to handle them..