What Causes Panic Attacks? Learn the Cause and Prevention Becomes Easier

Feelings of sudden chest pain, lightheadedness, and sweating, increased heart rate, feeling of choking – do these symptoms seem familiar? If they do, then the chances are that you have probably suffered panic attacks in the past. These conditions, though extremely unpleasant, can actually be prevented if you gain and understanding of what causes panic attacks.

Many times it is the fear of the unknown which can cause several physiological changes in our bodies such as sweating. When this feeling of fear or anxiety is overwhelming, it can turn into what is called a panic attack. Such attacks are often sudden and unannounced and some studies indicate that they mostly occur in people that lead a very stressful life.

The rationale behind what causes panic attacks could be both physiological and psychological by nature and origin. Let us discuss some of the common factors that cause these attacks:

• Repetition of a traumatic situation – a person is likely to experience a panic attack if he or she is subjected to the same kind of trauma or situation for which he has a pronounced phobia.
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• Diet deficiency can also result in high levels of anxiety and can lead to attacks. Deficiency in vitamin D or tape worm infestation can be reasons as to why panic attacks happen.
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• Hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, post traumatic stress disorder or inner ear disorders like labyrinthitis have been known to attacks.
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• Withdrawal of drugs, alcohol, medication and tobacco could cause panic attacks.
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• Hyperventilation syndrome or improper breathing can result in lightheadedness, feeling of dizziness and can start off an attack.
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• Emotional trauma like loss of a loved person, even a pet.
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• Hereditary factors play a major role. If you have a family history of stress and anxiety related disorders and panic attacks, then it is potentially more likely that you could be a sufferer as well.

Though there are plenty of prescription drugs available for controlling panic attacks, it has been proved time and again that meditation, relaxation, controlling of breathing, stress management are at the root of permanent cure from panic attacks.

Remember the seat of this ailment could be in the mind and unless you make your mind free of clutter, phobias and fears, you can never get effective long term cure for your attacks. There are plenty of natural remedies for panic attacks which can assist you in achieving your goal of leading a life free from panic attacks, but the key to the therapy rest in your own mind.