A panic attack is an intense fear that develops suddenly, with no apparent reason, and can induce physical reactions such as sweating and a racing heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Although the causes of anxiety and panic attacks remain unclear, there are certain factors that play a role in the development of them.
Family History
A family history of anxiety and panic attacks can increase a person's risk of experiencing symptoms. Mayoclinic.com suggests that genetics may play a role in the development of these disorders.
Stress
Significant life stress can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, some possible stresses include the death or serious illness of a significant person and major life changes such as adding a baby to the family. The increase of stress hormones during these situations creates a sense of emergency within a person's body that can induce anxiety and trigger a panic attack.
Abuse and Trauma
According to MayoClinic.com, having a history of physical or sexual abuse can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety and panic attacks. Experiencing a traumatic event, such as an accident, rape, a house fire or burglary, can also trigger the onset of anxiety and panic attacks. After enduring abuse or trauma, a person's stress and fear may change into an intense worry and dread that the event might occur again and he will not be able to control it, which can trigger a panic attack. Trauma and abuse of this nature could result in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress syndrome with panic attacks, but this is not always the case.
Brain Function
According to MayoClinic.com, a traumatic head injury or a chemical change in the brain--as a result of substance abuse, for example--can cause changes in the way a person's brain functions, producing anxiety and panic attacks.
Drug Use
Discontinuing certain types of medications or taking stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine and amphetamine can induce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, reports HelpGuide.org. Using stimulants or stopping certain medications can induce the symptoms of panic, such as a racing heart, sweating, nausea, dizziness, trembling, fear and the feeling of a lack of control. The drug-induced chemical imbalance plus the triggered symptoms of panic can heighten a person's risk of developing a panic attack.
Hypoglycemia
When hypoglycemia occurs, a person may experience anxiety and panic attacks, according to HelpGuide.org. Hypoglycemia results in a reduction in the amount of sugar, an energy source, that reaches the brain. This can induce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, including intense worry or fear of the unknown, sweating, feelings of loss of control, confusion and a lack of clarity.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can contribute to the development of anxiety and panic attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, hyperthyroidism is when the body creates too much of the hormone thyroxine. This speeds up metabolism in a way that produces symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, including sweating and nervousness.
