Panic attacks can start for many reasons such as stress, overworking, bereavement, family, an accident, childbirth, following surgery and so on but at the time panic strikes for the first time, you think you are doing fine and there seems to be no apparent reason at all. If you have subsequent panic attacks, they too may seem to be unpredictable and random. There is now emerging evidence that anxiety and panic may have a genetic link.

People that have never had a panic attack assume that that it is just a feeling of nervousness or anxiety, but in reality the attacks are far more frightening and overwhelming. If nervousness is a 3 on a scale of 1-10, then a full blown panic attack is 11.

What often happens next is that you begin to associate the Panic attack with the activity or place you were at the time so you start to avoid that situation. This is where the problems begin as each time you are forced into the situation that caused the attack, you automatically assume that it will happen again and start to re-live the feelings and this can lead to agoraphobia and limiting of activities and leading a normal life.

1/ Hereditary Factors – In some studies it has been shown that certain people are more pre-disposed genetically to panic attacks. In twins for example it has been shown that if one twin suffers from panic attacks that there is between a 31% and 88% chance that the other twin will also similarly suffer.

2/ Biological Reasons – People who suffer from various diseases like hypoglycaemia and even Vitamin B deficiency can be a precursor for a Panic Attack.

3/ Phobic Situations – If you are petrified of spiders or heights, or anything else. Then this can trigger a panic attack.

4/ Lifestyle Change Reasons – You lose your job. Your girlfriend dumps you. Sudden lifestyle changes can be triggers for a panic attack.

If you are feeling some of teh following symptoms then you may be experiencing a panic attack.

1/ You suddenly feel a rush of fear for no discernable reason. You are having a panic attack.

2/ You get a rush of adrenaline and your body goes into fight or flight mode.

3/ Your heart rate goes up, you are likely to sweat more and even have a shortness of breath.

4/ Your body is geared up for strenuous activity. But because none is forthcoming the hyperventilation you are experiencing may in turn progress to a fall in the carbon dioxide level in your lungs and then your blood.