Aug 04 2008

What Conditions Cause Panic Attacks?

Published at 1:55 am under Anxiety Center

It is somewhat arbitrary to divide the causes of panic attacks into different categories, because physical, emotional, and spiritual distress are often interwoven. I categorize the causes for ease of discussion only. We have seen that too much adrenaline can cause panic attacks, but what prompts the overproduction of this chemical? The list is quite long.

  • Physical. For example, dieting, tight clothes, low blood pressure, inner ear problems, and so on.
  • Emotional/physical. For example, exhausted nerves, causing muscle spasm or hyperventilation.
  • Emotional. For example. exhausted nerves, causing anxiety or depression
  • Spiritual. For example, despair, no vision beyond painful reality, or death phobia.


  • Physical Conditions

    • Dieting, fasting, and unstable blood sugar levels. Why variations in the level of glucose in the blood cause panic attacks.
    • Chest hugging, tight clothes, chest problems. Any restriction in the chest can lead to hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is the chief physical cause of panic attacks
    • Low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a potent trigger for panic attacks. It can deprive the brain of oxygen, causing anxiety, dizziness, and even fainting. The opposite advice given to people with low blood pressure than to those with high blood pressure an increase in salt and caffeine intake and stimulation of the circulation system through exercise is suggested. In additional, an infusion of rosemary leaves, or ginseng, or ginkgo bilboa are also used to elevate blood pressure. Garlic can be used to stimulate circulation.
    • Inner ear problems. Inner ear problems can cause dizziness. It can be very frightening when the world suddenly starts to spin, particularly if it happens while you are outdoors. An attack of vertigo can lead to agoraphobia.
    • Allergies and side effects of drugs. Allergic reactions and the side effects of some drugs can cause an increase in anxiety and panic attacks. Strangely enough, tranquilizers and anti-depressants also can cause anxiety and panic attacks, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
    • Drug withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, and smoking cessation. When any drug that sedates is withdrawn, adrenaline levels rise and panic attacks can occur.
    • Stuffy nose. A blocked air passage in the nose can lead to hyperventilation and panic
    • Jet lag. Jet lag can raise the levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. This increase often raises anxiety levels.
    • Chronic pain. People in pain often hyperventilate in an attempt to control their discomfort. Unfortunately, this also causes panic.
    • Infections containing adrenaline. Some people report panic attacks after receiving a local anesthetic from the dentist. Some local anesthetics contain adrenaline.
    • Prescribed stimulant drugs. Appetite suppressants, steroids, and other prescribed drugs can produce an adrenaline surge.
    • Heat and exercise. An overheated room can cause a panic attack, as can unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. The adrenaline levels are raised in these cases.


    • Emotional/Physical Conditions

      • Exhausted nerves, reduced activity after stressful events, hyperventilation, or frozen emotional pain. These phenomena can all lead to panic attacks
      • Child abuse. People who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused as children frequently suffer panic attacks in adult life.

      • Tracy Ma trained as a nurse before becoming a counselor and teacher. She has worked with anxious and depressed people for several years, and is the author of Natural Anxiety Cures

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