Most people who suffer from panic attacks state that they have no idea what triggers them, just that they are fine one minute, and in the next are in the full throes of an attack. No one has really been able to pinpoint a specific causes of panic attacks really. These attacks can occur at any time of the day or night, when you are driving down the road, or sound asleep in your bed. Panic attacks don’t always happen when you are stressed; they can and do happen even when the person is calm. These attacks could be triggered when you feel fear, whether imagined or real. You could be by yourself, or in the middle of a group of people, such as in the grocery store. There is usually no warning that an attack is imminent, it just suddenly begins, and ends just the same way.
Psychiatrists often state that these attacks are similar to an unexplained fear spike, such as one might experience if they were driving down the road and saw a semi headed towards them in their lane. The emotions in these attacks are very intense, and can turn into a full- blown attack in a matter of seconds.
Have No Causes of Panic Attacks Been Found?
There have been several theories over the years as to what the causes of panic attacks are, and some research has indicated that their may be a family link that is passed down from generation to generation. For example, if you have a relative, even a distant relative that suffers from this condition you have the risk of it happening to you as well. You could live for years and never have an attack, and then go through stressful life changes, such as divorce, unemployment, or loss of a loved one, and the attacks begin.
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are not the same. People who have an anxiety-type condition may suffer from panic attacks, but people who don’t have these disorders can suffer from attacks too. Anxiety tends to build up over time, and when you reach your breaking point, an attack occurs. If someone who suffers from panic attacks also has some kind of underlying mental disorder, treating that disorder can prevent future attacks, once the condition has been accurately diagnosed.
Lots of research has been done to determine the exact causes of panic attacks, in hopes of being better able to prevent them, but there have been no conclusive results to date. We have some idea as to what may cause the attacks, but not enough to adequately prevent them from occurring. Experts often disagree on this topic, some claiming that heredity is to blame, other pointing the finger at hormonal imbalances, while others blame psychological triggers. Until the cause can be determined, it is difficult to treat this condition. There are many medications and therapies that may be beneficial, and it really is a trial and error process that these people have to endure to determine what will help them overcome this disorder.
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i have been suffering from panic attacks for 10 years now. i had a nervous breakdown in 2006 after the sudden passing of my grandmother. ever since that happened i have had more and more problems with my anxiety. i live in a small town in upstate new york. the closest city is an hour away and also the hospital. i have not been able to drive outside of my town for aver a year now and am afraid i never will be able to again. before my breakdown i was a fun loving person full of life and adventure. i was able to drive long distances without even giving it a thought. i want my life back and feel that medications arent helping me. i am desperate to find a way to live again without being nervouse and scared all the time.
Hi Cristen. Looks like you had a pretty tough, and still do. Please don’t give up here. You know what you want: your life back. Take a step-by-step approach. Anxiety can be beaten, definitely. Is mostly about beating the “demons” in your own head, that stop you from going places. I sounds like medication is not the route for you, although at times it can help people move through tough patches. I get the feeling you need a more counselling based approach or really, with courage, start some kind of anxiety management programme. Either you can ask your doctor about it, or you could do this yourself. I tend to advocate PanicAway as it offers not only a very good book on overcoming panic and general anxiety, but also offers specific help for driving, or flying, and other situations. There is also coaching support available.
Another thing, did you ever seek help with dealing with some issues related to the loss of your grandmother? Perhaps that needs to be dealt with…but not necessarily. If you can start to make some small steps forward, your confidence might well pick up slowly and you can see the potential again for getting your life back. I wish you all the best!