What Causes Panic Attacks?

Picture this: you’re at home, relaxed, maybe even asleep. Then, suddenly, you experience intense chest pain. You can’t breathe and you start to sweat. For no apparent reason, you’re having a panic attack. While sometimes they do have a specific trigger, they can also happen out of the blue. But what causes them?

Panic is caused by the fight or flight response that’s tattooed deep within our genetic code. We’ve inherited this trait from our uncivilized ancestors who were facing dangers almost daily.

By itself, this fight or flight response isn’t a bad thing. It gives us the adrenaline boost we need to quickly get out of potentially life-threatening situations, like an incoming car or a pterodactyl. I know, I know… dinosaurs were extinct long before man walked this earth, but one can dream.

On a more serious note, for many people this response is triggered for no reason, leading them to look for treatment. Here are the most common causes of panic attacks:

1. Major life transitions

People who undergo major life transitions are more prone to panic disorders. These transitions can include:

• Having a baby
• Getting married
• Starting a new job
• Moving away to a new city
• Entering college
• Losing a loved one
• Losing a job

… and so on. That’s one of the reasons why panic attacks often happen in early adulthood – the new challenges young adults face in life can put a lot of stress on an individual.

One possible solution to help during major life transitions is to consult a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Alternatively, make sure you have trusted friends you can talk to about your new challenges. You don’t have to be alone in this.

2. Medical conditions

Some medical conditions can trigger episodes of panic. Among the medical conditions that are known as such are:

Mitral valve prolapse – There is no proven link between panic disorders and mitral valve prolapse. However, the symptoms can be very similar. This is why it’s important to consult a doctor if you think you experience panic attacks, if only to rule out this condition.

Hypoglycemia - When your blood sugar level drops, your body starts producing excess adrenaline in order to raise your blood sugar level. These wild fluctuations in hormones can be the trigger for panic attacks. They can be hard to detect because these changes happen very fast.

Hyperthyroidism - It’s quite common for people suffering from hyperthyroidism to experience symptoms very similar to a panic attack. The thyroid, a gland located in the lower part of the neck, starts generating too much thyroxine, and this can lead to shaking, anxiety and difficulty breathing.

Substance abuse and withdrawal symptoms – Certain drugs are known to induce panic when you abuse them. To make things worse, withdrawal symptoms from drugs and medication can also lead to panic disorders.

Use of stimulants – Stimulants like coffee, amphetamines, and again some drugs like cocaine can increase the chances of having a panic attack.

Some medication – Some medication can increase anxiety if their dosage is not correct. If you start having episodes of panic after you started taking a new medication, make sure to inform your doctor.

3. Genetics

According to studies, anxiety and panic disorders run in families. About 20-25% of those who suffer from anxiety disorders also have close relatives who do. A simple way to find out if your condition is genetic is to ask your family if they’ve ever experienced similar symptoms.

4. Phobias

On some occasions, specific phobias can be the trigger for a panic attack. It can be a simple thing like crossing a bridge, riding an elevator or speaking in public. People who experience a panic attack in an event like this will tend to avoid these situations. This can lead them to stay at home most of the time, for fear of suffering an attack in public.

Hopefully by now you know a little more about what causes panic attacks. If left untreated, this disorder can get worse and start happening more frequently. You should start looking into self help solutions. Everyone can eliminate panic completely and start living a normal life.

Photo © Scott Kinmartin

If you want to learn more about this, I heartily invite you to read my free guide, Leave Panic Behind. It will tell you everything you need to know to get rid of panic attacks.

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