Panic Attacks Cause

Panic Attacks Cause: Genetic or Environmental?

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:14:59 +0000

Is panic attacks cause genetic or environmental? What really causes this horrific condition also known as panic disorder? Here we will explore various theories about the causes of panic attacks/panic disorder.

It is said that one of the most intensely uncomfortable, frightening and upsetting experiences of a person’s life is having a panic attack.

To date, at the time of publishing this article, the exact cause of panic attacks is unknown. That’s right! There is no known precise cause or factor that triggers panic attacks. However, there are several theories contending that the disorder may be developed based on a complex interaction of a number of factors and experiences; genetic, biological, environmental and social.

Biological Theories of Panic Attacks

The brain contains millions of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters that constantly communicate back and forth with each other. Of these chemical messengers, norepinephrine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are believed to have some influence in the onset of panic disorder. Experts believe that panic attacks are caused by an imbalance of one or more of these chemical messengers found within the brain.

Panic Attacks Fight-or-Flight Response Theory

The flight-or-fight response is an innate and automatic response for survival which is exhibited by many animals, including humans. What this means is that when there is a perceived threat, real or imagined, psychological and physical changes occur, preparing one to flee or engage in battle.

Suffocation False Alarm Theory

The suffocation alarm theory proposes that a message is conveyed that there is a danger of suffocation, when levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide are altered, as in hyperventilation. Persons with panic attack disorder exhibit an increased sensitivity to oxygen and carbon dioxide changes in the blood.

During panic attacks, improper breathing can dramatically alter the exchange of both oxygen and carbon dioxide, the resulting improper balance between the two then erroneously triggers a potential suffocation alarm as the alarm system is already somewhat overly sensitive.

The Genetic Link

It has been observed that individuals having a first-line biological relative with panic disorder seems to be 8 times more likely to develop the condition. Having first-line relatives developing the disorder prior to age 20, increases the risk for such individuals. Studies have also shown that there is a 40% occurrence between identical twins if one already has the disorder.

Environmental Sources

There is evidence provided by some researchers that certain environmental and social elements may in some ways contribute to the development of panic disorder. The most notable of these include:

Parents who are anxious may model this anxious behavior to their children

Overprotective parenting styles

Insecure attachment patterns during childhood

Childhood abuse or trauma

High levels of stress in the home during upbringing

Major stressful life events

Hypersensitivity to certain harmless bodily sensations with the perception they are dangerous

A temperamental style associated with passiveness and avoidance of new stimuli

Overview

Here’s a summary of what is known so far, scientifically and otherwise about panic attacks cause:

Although identical twins do not show genetic correlation 100% of the time, it does tend to run in families suggesting that there is some sort of a genetic link.

It would appear that the disorder is related to some common environmental and social sources. However, not everyone exposed to these same environmental and social conditions develop the disorder.

Yes, it is true that studies have linked certain brain chemical abnormalities in people to panic disorder. However, these studies have left the argument of the proverbial, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg”? These studies have not clearly determined whether these abnormalities cause panic disorder or whether it is the other way around, panic disorder causes these abnormalities.

To date, the exact cause of panic disorder remains unknown. Hopefully, somewhere in the not too distant future, research will delineate and effectively tie together these, and, perhaps, other unknown, causes of panic disorder.

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When trying to fall asleep I experience panic attacks at the least bit of noise?

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:25:56 +0000

what is wrong with me? my heart is racing I am out of breath and have to stand up to calm down. I cannot seem to sleep at nightime anymore

I have experienced night attacks or panic attacks and it’s an awful feeling. You can overcome this I did and it takes some time.

Breath in a paper bag for a few seconds until u feel yourself calming down.

You need to go to a therapist and talk about your fears. You have some deep rooted fears that you haven’t been able to get over and it’s stuck in your subconscious.

You might need to get some sleeping meds to help you rest. Do you have a night light? That helps too.

Go talk to a school counselor, or psychologist that can help you identify what the real issue is.

Right it down in a journal and keep track and see where the source is coming from.

Good Luck

Who can I see for panic attacks?

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:25:54 +0000

I have been having really bad panic attacks and I am trying to find a doctor to see for treatments. My question is can I see an Otolaryngologist for panic attacks?

See a shrink(Psychiatrist) or your GP

Is this close to anxiety/panic attack symptoms?

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:25:51 +0000

I often get nervous and upset.
1. Fast heart beat
2. Chest pain
3. Body shake
4. Dizziness
5. Unable to move the body(like my hand gets thick) for 30 min.

I often get this. What cause it? Also , Is this dangerous?

That sounds pretty much like a panic attack . Generally they’re not dangerous so long as you try and keep calm (yeah, I know, its hard).

Its always worth having a check over with your doctor to make sure its nothing more serious though. I used to have panic attacks quite a lot, and one thing that i found really helped me was Bachs Rescue Remedy – you put a few drops on your tongue when you feel yourself starting to get stressed, and it calms you down . Its widely available , and pretty cheap too .

Do you have panic attacks when you are in a room full of people you don’t know?

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:50:53 +0000

How do you calm your self down.

It used to happen to me. Go in a small room from time to time (even a bathroom!) and take a breather. Make sure to keep yourself mobile–move around. Find a friendly person or two to "break the ice" and chat with. Leave early too if you can!

Is there any effective medication for agoraphobia/ panic attacks?

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:50:51 +0000

I need to get a job and get on with my life, but how can I do that when simply driving to the store sends me on a hellish fit of fear and panic? I cant even get to the doctors easily….

If you were once a sufferer and found treatment, your opinion would be most valid.

YES!!!

I take klonopin and prozac……they have been life savers. go see a psychiatrist, they know the meds, if they arent working, what to switch you to next, if need be.

do panic attack symptoms stay around even after the initial attack is over like for days?

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:50:49 +0000

i still feel strange and afraid and a funny feeling in my chest

Yes they can. It is all brought on by stress and the stress factor remains even after the initial attack. Your body becomes extremely sensitive to the feelings that occurred with your initial attack. You need rest and relaxation. You need to learn relaxation techniques that will see your through the rough spots.

Panic attacks

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:11:34 +0000

Panic attacks and anxiety directly contribute to my severe IBS. We have a website running dealing with this condition
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admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:11:32 +0000

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admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:11:30 +0000

In fact if you don’t learn to control panic attacks, you will begin to experience the symptoms of panic attacks just by the anxiety you’ll feel wondering when and where the next attack will occurr.

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