A panic attack is physical symptoms, but the cause is psychological. The slightest feeling of fear may trigger an attack.

You see, when humans fear, adrenaline is released. The brain knows that when there is something to fear, the body needs to go into defense mode. Suddenly, the glucose is pulled from the brain and feeds your muscles, breathing deepens, and the person begins to sweat. While some individuals use the changes in your body to defend itself, the individual who has a panic attack may or may not have anything to defend. This scares them.

However, the sudden appearance of an attack with very small stimuli is a terrifying experience. Most people describe the attack as a feeling that death would occur. Some people go to the hospital convinced that they are having a heart attack. Others believe they are having a nervous breakdown.

Triggers

First, research has shown a genetic factor is present when dealing with panic attacks in some people. But just because Mom did not experience does not mean that the son or daughter. Panic attacks may also occur at any age with people of above average intelligence are more likely and women are more prone than men. Here are some other triggers:

* The loss of personnel, which may include the death of a relative or a major life transition.

* A phobia is already present.

* Try to avoid social situations that may cause stress or panic, which translates into "what if" thinking and seeing the danger in things that should not be dangerous.

* Medications such as Ritalin or panic attacks list of others as a possible side effect.

* Alcohol or drug withdrawal.

* Severe stress situations, such as starting a new college class.

* Health conditions that could result in sudden death such as heart disease.

* Live a passive lifestyle, which is considered assertive that, when forced to be assertive or against a particular type of person invokes fear.

Stop the fear

If you avoid the avoidable triggers for their attacks when you can, then you can prevent an attack coming on. However, it can be difficult to know every possible trigger in your life. Stress, worry about everyday life, and even stress avoidance of triggers can trigger an attack a day and not the next.

Some people, when you feel an attack coming on, going to do the breathing bags. For some, however, does not always work and could make the attack worse. This may be due to the fact that oxygen levels are low and carbon dioxide levels in the blood are high.

What has been found to be effective, however, is psychotherapy in which cognitive and behavioral therapies are used. These therapies have proven to be the best treatments. In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. However, behavioral therapies have proven highly effective without need for doctors, allowing sufferers to reduce their number of attacks and a better life.

Author's Bio: 

Lisa Beverley writes highly informative and researched articles for end consumers about a variety of health care topics including remedies, Health and Fitness, Nutrition, Slimming, weight loss products, bodybuilding supplements and diet tips.