Many people have had a panic attack at some time, and have experienced the pounding heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, chest pains and fear that accompanies it. A panic attack is your body’s way of getting you ready to either fight or run away from danger.

However, for some people, panic attacks happen even when no danger exists. A panic disorder is indicated when a person has panic attacks repeatedly and without any warning and the person spends the following month, after an attack, worrying constantly about having another one.

Panic Disorder Causes

No one knows exactly what the panic disorder causes are although there is evidence to suggest that it is the result of a combination of the following influences.

Genetics:

The chances are 8 times greater to develop this disorder if a family member, such as a parent or grandparent, also had it. Also, if one identical twin has it there is a 40% chance that the other twin will also get it.

Environmental/Social Factors:

Some panic disorder causes center around major stresses in life or in a person’s upbringing. These include overprotective parents, parents who were always anxious, child abuse or some childhood trauma or high stress levels in the home, to name a few.

Other panic disorder causes may be attributed to the use of illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana), drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeinated beverages, using certain medications that treat heart problems or asthma or ending the treatment of certain ailments like anxiety and sleeping disorders.

Medical Conditions:

Panic attacks can also be caused by other existing medical problems such as hyperthyroidism, certain heart problems, epilepsy and other seizure disorders as well as asthma.

Biological Factors:

There are a few theories here, one of which is that your fight or run reaction is triggered for no reason although researchers don’t know why. Another theory is that when an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in your system, a signal is sent out that you are going to suffocate which results in a state of panic. A third theory suggests the symptoms of a panic attack are caused by an imbalance of serotonin which is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate anxiety.

Untreated Panic Disorder

Left untreated, a person may also develop Agoraphobia. This is when an individual starts avoiding places they believe caused a panic attack or from which escape could be embarrassing or difficult should another attack happen. In severe cases these individuals can become so fearful of going anywhere which may lead to an attack, that they never leave their homes.

Even if you never develop agoraphobia, untreated panic disorder can have a negative effect on your quality of life.

Studies have shown that people with this disorder are more susceptible to: alcohol and drug abuse, depression and suicide attempts, feeling less healthy overall, avoiding normal daily activities like sports or hobbies and being fearful of traveling far from home.

Panic disorder causes a disruption in your life which is totally unnecessary. With treatment, sufferers can eliminate their symptoms and begin enjoying a satisfying and full life.

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