Panic attacks usually begin suddenly. They may last for several minutes or they may continue for hours. There are many triggers that can cause an attack, but there is no single thing that causes all people to experience panic attacks. Rather, it is believed that panic attacks are the result of a number of factors that can combine to cause panic attacks.
Panic attacks do not usually follow a clear physical cause. Instead, the cause is believed to be a combination of genetics, lifestyle, mental disorders, and other factors. Panic disorder and panic attacks have been linked to a certain amount of genetic predisposition. If your parents or siblings have had panic attacks, then you are likely to experience panic attacks as well. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has recognized panic attacks and classifies them as expected or unexpected.
However, panic attacks can also be caused by common everyday events. For example, if you go to a new school, you will be required to adjust to a new set of rules. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, excessive worrying, and a general sense of anxiety. This can quickly grow into a full-blown panic disorder, resulting in many people experiencing symptoms so intense that they become isolated and desperate for help.
One of the most common triggers of panic attacks is caffeine. Many people take caffeine for many different purposes, such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, or chocolate. In fact, caffeine can actually be very beneficial to our health in small amounts. Caffeine is also a major ingredient in many medications, including Tylenol and cold remedies. Therefore, if you experience an attack while taking any of these medications, your first instinct may be to stop taking them, but this can actually make things worse!
The next time you experience an unexpected panic attack may be linked to your medication. If you are someone who takes stimulants for anything other than a serious medical problem, it is likely you will experience panic attacks when you stop taking your medication. Caffeine can make you feel more nervous and awake, leading to a number of symptoms. Your heart rate speeds up, you start to sweat, you can have chills or hot flashes, and you may even break out in a sweat. When this happens, another panic disorder symptom that may set in is increased worry about having another attack.
There are many different types of panic disorders, but another common trigger of panic attacks is social anxiety disorder. This can also lead to feelings of severe anxiety and fear, which can cause you to break out in a full-blown attack. If you have social anxiety disorder, you will probably have great difficulty making friends or leaving the house. You may even be afraid to be in large groups of people. If this is the case, you should seek help from a mental health professional.
Some other common triggers for panic attacks or self-help problems include nicotine and caffeine use. Many people who use caffeine as a form of self-help have problems when they quit because they want to keep their intake of caffeine in the future. People who consume large amounts of caffeine through coffee, tea or chocolate may feel nervous and jumpy most of the time. Others may feel anxious after consuming caffeine, especially if it is not consumed in small amounts. If you consume caffeine in moderation, you should be able to control your symptoms.
Panic disorder symptoms that occur mostly during times of high anxiety are called acute attacks. These occur for no apparent reason and leave victims with intense anxiety and symptoms. Some attacks can even occur while you are sleeping! If you suffer from panic attacks that last for several days or begin to occur almost nightly, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe medications and even therapy to help you control your symptoms.