A panic attack may happen once without any problem or complications. And there’s almost no reason to be concerned if you have one or two episodes. But those who have experienced several episodes usually develop a panic disorder.
Listed below are some triggers that may cause panic attacks and they may have different effects on different people. It may only take one trigger to cause a panic attack while someone else may require several triggers in order to literally lose it.
It’s also important to note that some symptoms of panic attacks may also be a sign of other medical conditions. So it’s important to precisely pinpoint the cause of the symptoms in order to know which type of treatment is necessary.
Phobia – People who are exposed to certain situations or objects they are afraid of will often experience a panic attack.
Passiveness – Evidence supports the idea that passiveness as a result of fear (sometimes unexplained), low self-esteem and self-confidence is consistent with a person experiencing episodes of panic attack.
Hyperventilation syndrome – Mouth breathing and over-breathing or exhaling more carbon dioxide with respect to the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream can result in symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, and rapid heartbeat. These symptoms, in turn trigger panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines – Drugs such as benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat the symptoms of panic attacks. Usually, the patient finds relief within 30 minutes after taking this drug. However, benzodiazepines are highly addictive and sometimes a rebound effect is common (a panic attack triggered by withdrawing from the drug).
Medications – There are certain drugs such as fluoroquinolone type antibiotics and Ritalin (methylphenidate) with panic attacks listed as a side effect. Attacks may be temporary, usually occurring when a patient begins medication but may continue occurring even if the patient is already accustomed to the drug.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs boost the level of serotonin in the brain which regulates and normalizes emotions. However, intake of SSRIs can increase anxiety at the beginning of use. Panic attacks may even be more frequent for patients who wean on and off the medications
Biological causes – post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Wilson’s disease, pheochromocytoma, hypoglycemia, mitral valve prolapse and labyrinthitis (inner ear disturbances) can manifest through panic attack. Vitamin B deficiency from periodic depletion because of parasitic infection from tapeworm or due to inadequate diet can trigger panic attacks.
Heredity – Children, whose parents have been found to suffer from panic disorder, are likely to experience or have panic attacks as well. In other words, inheritance plays an important role in determining who gets it. However, people with no family history can still develop a panic disorder.
Environment factors and upbringing – People who grew up overly cautious about their life and actions, and those who live in a very stressful environment, plus different traumatic experiences from the past are likely to have panic attacks.
Short-term triggering causes – Significant life changes, emotional trauma from a failed relationship, life transition, stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine, psilocybin, marijuana, and drugs can trigger panic attacks.
A person during an attack shows these signs and symptoms:
• Increased heartbeat or palpitation
• Chest pain
• Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
• Stomach churning, upset stomach
• Trembling and shaking
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Hot or cold flashes
• Tingling sensation or numbness
• Fear of dying, going crazy or losing control
• Feeling detached from the surroundings
