The term "panic attack" is commonly used to describe a sudden rush of anxiety. However, these attacks involve a variety of adverse conditions. In addition to a sudden onset of intense fear, panic attacks are typically accompanied by difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, sweating and dizziness. These symptoms worsen progressively during the attack, which can last up to 10 minutes. Identifying the cause of a panic attack is the first step toward prevention and treatment.
Phobias
Phobias are objects or situations that provoke anxiety. Common phobias include fear of heights, escalators, flying and dogs. When a person is exposed to something that is perceived as fearful, a panic attack may ensue. Repeated instances of panic attacks during exposure to a phobia can lead to avoidance behavior. For example, someone with a social phobia may avoid situations that require interaction with other people. According to the American Psychological Association, those diagnosed with panic disorder no longer fear a certain object or setting; instead, the fear of having another panic attack becomes the focus of their phobia.
Anticipation
Sometimes a fear can be so severe that the mere thought of the feared object or situation can precipitate a panic attack. For instance, individuals with performance anxiety may obsess over an upcoming presentation that they are required to deliver at work or at school. The fear of speaking in public is a common source of anxiety. However, the anticipation of the actual event is often much worse than the reality.
Traumatic Events
Similar to anticipatory anxiety, panic attacks may be experienced in absence of the actual object or situation by sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder associated with a traumatic event, such as war, child abuse or rape. Thoughts of these traumas can be so vivid and powerful that it feels as if the trauma is actually happening. The magnitude of such thoughts can instigate panic attacks.
Caffeine
Although caffeine can increase energy, alertness and attention, it can increase anxiety as well. Coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, cold medicines and weight-loss pills usually contain caffeine. Large doses of caffeine have been found to increase more than just heart rate. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, caffeine intake increases the sensitivity of the nervous system and arousal, which make the body more vulnerable to panic attacks.
Unknown Factors
Panic attacks that appear to occur for no discernible reason are known as unexpected panic attacks. Many people experience a panic attack in their lifetime. These attacks generally occur out of the blue, and the cause cannot be determined. Repeated panic attacks are suggestive of panic disorder. Repeated unexpected attacks are extremely difficult to treat because the trigger of such attacks, whether internal or external, is unknown.
