Causes Of Anxiety And Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden episode of extreme fear that, when there is no real threat or obvious cause, causes serious physical reactions. Panic attacks can be particularly terrifying. You may think you're losing control, getting a heart attack, or even dying when panic attacks occur.

In their lifetimes, many individuals experience just one or two panic attacks, and the issue goes away, maybe when a traumatic situation ends. But if you've had repeated, sudden panic attacks and spent long stretches in constant fear of another attack, you might have a condition called panic disorder. Let us understand more about the causes of anxiety and panic attacks. 

Symptoms

Usually, panic attacks begin unexpectedly, without warning. When you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep, or in the middle of a business meeting, they can strike at any moment. You may have panic attacks sometimes, or they may occur regularly.

There are several differences in panic attacks, but symptoms typically peak within minutes. After a panic attack subsides, you can feel fatigued and stressed out.

Any of these signs or symptoms usually include panic attacks:

Awareness of imminent doom or threat

Fear of power loss or death

Fast, pounding heart rate

Transpiration

Shaking or trembling

Breath shortage or tightness in your throat

Chills Over

Flashes of hot

Nausea, Nausea

Cramping in the abdomen

Pain in the chest

Headaches

Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness

Numbness or sense of tingling

Unreality or detachment sensation

The overwhelming anxiety that you will get another one is one of the worst things about panic attacks. You may risk having panic attacks so much that you avoid those circumstances where they may occur.

When to see a doctor?

When you have signs of a panic attack, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they are extremely unpleasant. But it's hard to handle panic attacks on your own, and without help, they can get worse.

Symptoms of a panic attack may also mimic symptoms of other severe health conditions, such as a heart attack, so if you are not sure what causes the symptoms, it is crucial to get checked by your primary care provider.

Risk factors

Panic disorder symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood and affect more women than men.

Factors that can increase the likelihood that panic attacks or panic disorder may grow to include:

Private history of panic disorder or panic attacks

Big stress in life, such as the death or severe disease of a loved one

A traumatic incident, such as a major accident or a sexual attack

Significant changes, such as divorce or the addition of a child, in your life

Smoking or excessive intake of caffeine

History of physical or sexual violence during childhood

Panic disorder may include agoraphobia for certain individuals, avoiding locations or circumstances that give you anxiety because if you have a panic attack, you fear being unable to escape or get help. Or in order to leave your home, you may become dependent on others being with you.