What Causes Panic Attacks & How To Treat Them

Panic attacks are an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety that produces some very unpleasant physical symptoms.  Panic attacks come on suddenly and usually peak in about 10 minutes. They typically last for about 30 minutes, but it may take longer for all symptoms to go away. 

Panic attacks can be triggered with no identifiable causes, or they may be associated with certain situations, such as being in a large crowd of people like at restaurants or stadiums. 

A first panic attack often occurs suddenly during a normal activity such as shopping or walking down a street.  You may think you are "going crazy", confused or that something terribly bad is going to happen since most people don't understand anxiety and the cause of panic attacks.  You may have a strong need to run away to someplace safe, like your home or vehicle. 

You may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or a very rapid heartbeat.  It is common to think you are having a heart attack and to seek medical treatment at the emergency room.  After the first panic attack is resolved, the stress of having more can lead to a cycle of panic attacks that seems like it will never end.

Causes of Panic Attacks

It's unclear the exact cause of panic attacks, but is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain (neurotransmitters).  Certain things are likely to trigger a panic attack in people with anxiety problems.

-         Drinking too much alcohol or suddenly stopping the use of alcohol

-         Drinking of eating foods and drinks with excessive caffeine content

-         The use of cocaine, marijuana, or other illegal drugs

-         Medications or stopping them suddenly

-         Being under too much stress for long periods of time

-         Having a baby

-         Having surgery or being put under with general anesthesia

-         Medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, mitral valve prolapse, epilepsy, or asthma

-         Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

-         Obsessive-compulsion disorder

-         Post traumatic stress disorder

-         Anxiety disorder  

-         Depression

Living with Panic Attacks

Panic attacks or the possibility of having them, can last a lifetime, but the symptoms can be controlled with treatment.  Your physician can determine the best treatment for you through exams and tests to determine the possible causes of your panic attacks. 

Successful treatment can lower the frequency of the panic attacks and the anxiety of having another one, which improves the quality of your life.  Panic attacks can be controlled by medications, such as antidepressants and professional counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the single most effective treatment for panic attacks which focuses on changing behavior and thinking patterns.  Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on confronting a feared situation or object. 

Symptoms may start to improve within a few weeks of starting treatment with medications, but the dosage may need to be adjusted if there is no improvement within 6 to 8 weeks.  During initial treatment, a short term medicine may be given to help deal with immediate symptoms, but will be tapered off and stopped after long-term medication has shown improvement of symptoms. 

Avoiding situations or places that may trigger an anxiety attack does not guarantee that another panic attack will not occur under new circumstances.  In fact, avoiding situations or places can increase the anxiety about having another panic attack, since it's basically running away from your problems and never learning to deal with them.

Home treatment may reduce the severity of another attack.  Stress can be reduced by practicing daily deep breathing and muscle relaxation. 

Other ways to treat panic attacks without medication are:

-         regular daily exercise that increases your breathing and heart rate

-         restricting or eliminating caffeine and alcohol

-         joining a self-help and support group, such as Anxiety Disorders Association of America

-         eating a balanced diet and eliminating foods that are high in sugar and fats

Instructional videos, books and audio material can help you learn to cope with anxiety and panic disorders.  It helps to learn from people that have had the same experiences as you.

Body-centered relaxation programs can reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging or teaching correct breathing exercise, muscle relaxation, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, and tai-chi. 

Mindful exercises help relax the mind and are sometimes combined with body-centered relaxation programs and exercises.  These include:

-         Autogenic training which is used to return the body to a normal state after a stress response. 

-         Self hypnosis which opens the mind to suggestion to relieve stress or change the way you respond to stress. 

-         Mediation, which involves slow breathing and sitting quietly for 15 to 20 minutes. 

-         Guided imaginary (visualization) is a method of using your imagination to help you relax because your body responds to the images in your mind. 

-         Music therapy can change your mood and relax your body.

-         Humor therapy not only reduces stress but also improves the body's immune system.

Panic attacks can be controlled with the guidance of your physician,  medications, therapy or self help techniques.  A positive attitude will help you gain control over panic attacks.