The Many Difference Causes of Panic Attacks

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by: patrickj25i
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Word Count: 441
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 Time: 10:17 AM
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You may already know that medical research is still trying to find the cause of panic attacks. Piecing together the different processes and mechanism(s) is a continual process. Documentation of causes has occurred as well as a large body of knowledge acquired on the subject of panic attack symptoms.

Panic attacks are theorized to be caused by many things. First, though, it's important to realize that a panic attack occurs when there you sense danger or a threat, and you perceive that you cannot avoid it. Remember though, that typically this is not a real threat. The belief or perception is real to your brain though. The alarm sensing mechanism responds to external perceptions, inappropriately according to one particular theory. Put another way, the belief is that this threat is real even if it isn't. The body then reacts as if a real threat exists, because it doesn't know any differently.

Panic attacks are often a symptom though, of a different underlying condition. A few of these conditions are actually linked to drugs or some medication. Amphetamine and cocaine overdoses have been know to cause panic attacks, for example. Unfortunately, a few have found that the medication their doctor has prescribed is causing their attacks. However, these drugs will list panic attacks as their possible side-effects. It is always a good idea to discuss possible side-effects of any medication your doctor prescribes you to. The range of side-effects should always be discussed with your doctor before you take any new prescription medication anyway. If you believe that medication you are currently taking may be causing panic attacks, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.

Don't rule out a medical condition though, since it could still be the cause for your panic attacks. An event in the body could physically cause an attack. Whether you have one attack or multiple it is always good to discuss this with your doctor. Medical issues like hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism(not hypo and heart conditions that involve valve closure can sometimes cause panic attacks. An over-active thyroid gland is what causes hyperthyroidism. Chronic low blood sugar is the definition for hypoglycemia.

Understandably, those that suffer from panic attacks wish to know what cause them. The more information you can learn about the nature of panic attacks has actually been shown to be helpful. So be aware of the conditions that they occur in. Do your panic attacks have anything in common such as places, times, weather conditions, etc.

The more you know about when they happen, you will be better able to manage them.

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