Panic Attacks Cause Numerous Problems – Find Out What
Panic attacks cause numerous problems for the individual sufferer and if you have had one or suffer from them, you know they are no laughing matter.
They usually tend to occur out of the blue and their frequency varies from one person to the next. While some people have attacks as frequently as a few weeks apart, others may go without an attack or episode for as long as a decade. Nonetheless, what remains common in both scenarios is that panic attacks cause mayhem and they can be a destructive force often resulting in a complete standstill to normal functioning. Hence, the need to get immediate treatment is pretty straightforward, but before you jump straight into the treatment phase, it is vital that the causal factors of the panic attacks be comprehensively understood.
History shows that it is hard to establish a rigid set of factors that cause panic attacks since the determinants vary from case to case. That said, it is strongly urged that you read this article carefully as it provides you with a general overview of panic attack causes.
Various studies show that panic attacks can be attributed to one’s family as anxiety is compounded and complicated by both genetic and psychological factors. According to statistics, about half the people who suffer from a panic disorder also have a close relative suffering from the same condition. Meanwhile, research also shows that defective genes that regulate specific neurotransmitter may have the effect of changing a person’s behaviour in such a way that he/she has a high panic/anxiety level to things or situations which hold small dread for others.
But, while a person’s genes may be a cause of his/her panic attacks, the role of the family in leading to a panic disorder can also take on a psychological form. Various psychodynamic studies have pointed out that a person may be more prone to panic attacks if he/she has been unable to resolve the childhood conflict of dependence versus independence. For example, it has been found that young adults who were a victim of childhood anxiety are more prone to living with their parents instead of getting their own place in their mid-twenties. Furthermore as per survey results, people who suffer from a panic disorder generally tend to complain that their parents showed small affection towards them yet were highly protective and controlling of them. Moreover, it has also been learned that a strong similarity exists between the fears a parent has and the fears the child has, thus showing that fears are inherited as part of the early socialization process.
That said, panic attack causes are not all about the family though. Studies show that they appear in connection with major life transitions, such as getting married, graduating from college, starting a new job, or having a baby. Similarly, events which cause severe stress are also known to be a cause of attacks. These stressful events could take numerous forms such the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, divorce, or loss of employment.
The key to countering attacks though remains managing anxiety. While panic attack causes may differ on a case to case basis, it is vital to remember that there are numerous treatment options available which aim to help you control your anxiety levels. From behavioural therapy – which takes the form of either Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy or Exposure Therapy – to medications, panic attacks can be countered if you so wish it.
Also note that since the root cause of panic attacks is anxiety, to counter these attacks basically means countering anxiety. While therapy and medication are excellent options, it is imperative that the root cause be dealt with, meaning stopping activities which cause anxiety or stress. This would mean keeping away from caffeine, alcohol or nicotine. Instead, healthier options need to be adopted such as fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and so on and so forth.
Darren Bardsley is a panic and anxiety attack expert. A sufferer himself for the last decade, he has mastered his own disorder and is now sharing his vast knowledge and the secrets to a panic free life. For more on causes of panic attacks, visit http://www.panicattacksurvivalguide.com.
