What Are the Causes of Panic Disorder?

A panic attack is often marked by the sudden onset of fear marked by an automatic physical response that may include: the rapid acceleration of the heartbeat; sudden shortness of breath; sensation of choking; trembling; sweating; nausea; disorientation; feeling dizzy; hot flashes or cold chills; fear of going crazy or dying; and numbness. As noted by the American Psychological Association (APA), these symptoms are often so sudden and so strong that a person may believe they are having a heart attack. These symptoms and this condition are believed to be associated with a malfunction of the amygdala (a small area of the brain that deals with survival). There is a tendency for panic attacks to run in families. Having a single, isolated panic attack doesn't mean you have a panic disorder. If a person experiences continuing panic attacks such that they change their behavior and they are constantly afraid of having an attack occur, then they may have a panic disorder. Panic disorder can be caused by medical conditions, stimulant use, withdrawal symptoms from medications or drugs or from stress triggers in the environment when a person has a genetic predisposition for panic attacks.

Medical Causes

• Panic disorder can be a symptom of a medical condition, psychological condition or diet. If one of the heart valves isn't closing properly, a condition called mitral valve prolapse, this can mimic the symptoms of a panic attack. Mitral valve prolapse occurs when one or both valves of the heart are enlarged such that they don't open and close properly, causing a state of or sensations of anxiety. Other medical conditions include: hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia. Hyperthyroidism is an overactivity of the thyroid gland such that the gland overproduces thyroid hormones. Hypoglycemia is a pathologic medical state produced when levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too low.

Stimulant Causes

• Stimulant use can also trigger the symptoms of heightened anxiety and panic and frequent or overuse of these products or combinations of these products can produce frequent panic attacks such as those categorized by panic disorder. The caffeine in coffee, some teas, sodas, many energy drinks, packages of stimulants available over the counter, cocoa, chocolates, ma huang (ephedrine), weight loss products, cayenne, ginseng, guarana and other herbal stimulants, along with amphetamines, cocaine and other illegal stimulant drugs, can all cause symptoms related to anxiety and panic.

Withdrawal

• Withdrawal from medications or detoxification from habitual drug use can also produce anxiety symptoms and many of the other symptoms of panic. A withdrawal from coffee or soda that is high in caffeine can include intense headaches, tremors, nausea, hot and cold flashes, disorientation, dizziness and more. It is important to communicate to your physician any dietary or drug choices you have made prior to the onset of panic attack symptoms.

Genetic Causes

• The APA suggests there may be a genetic predisposition or biological malfunction aspect to panic disorders. It is known that this disorder occurs twice as often for women and across all ethnic groups. These underlying predispositions appear to erupt when the individual encounters too many stressors, a condition which triggers the disposition to activate.

Diagnosis

• Proper diagnosis of a panic disorder should be made from a licensed therapist or mental health professional. If you believe you have the characteristics of a panic disorder, then seek a good consult immediately so you can regain your quality of life as soon as possible.