Why Do People Have Panic Attacks?

By Trevor Mosley

"Why do people have panic attacks?" is one of the first questions anyone will ask when engaged in a discussion of the condition. There are many reasons for panic attacks and understanding them will help you avoid from experiencing them. The underlying causes of panic attacks are unique to every individual, although there are some common ones.

Genetic Predisposition To Panic Attacks

Genetic disposition is often the cause of panic attacks in most people. Panic attacks are hereditary and they run in the same blood, so if someone in your family has panic attacks, you may too. If the people around you lead highly stressful lives, your risk of getting panic attacks is high because stress is what causes panic attacks.

Lack of a Nutritious Diet

An unhealthy diet, one that is filled with junk food, is a big cause of panic attacks. Fast food is often the last resort as people are too busy with their lives to have a decent meal. Our body requires essential nutrients such as Vitamin B, Magnesium and Calcium. A lack of these nutrients can trigger a panic attack. Food must also be taken in moderation.

Pressurized Working Environments

Stress, one of the root causes of panic attacks, is prevalent in a work environment. One has to juggle strict deadlines, work long hours, answer to his boss, worry about job security as well as clear his workload. Such pressurized working environments can cause the employees to suffer panic attacks. Employers are not spared either; they have to worry about cutting losses in their businesses, the threat of competition as well as unmotivated staff. These factors can lead to panic attacks as well.

Lack Of Knowledge On Dealing With Panic Attacks

Many people are not conversant in the topic of panic attacks and that is why they are unable to deal with them. Knowledge must be acquired in these areas:

* The signs and symptoms of panic attacks

* Ways to prevent panic attacks

* The difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks

* Solutions for panic attacks

Answering the question, "Why do people have panic attacks" entails the need to recognise that everybody is different and that everyone has a different coping mechanism when it comes to dealing with stress. This means that treatment options should be unique to each person as well.

Animals and Insects

Some people have phobias for animals and insects and when they encounter them, they get panic attacks. One such insect is a spider - the fear of spiders is called Arachnophobia and people will fear even the spiders that are not dangerous. Many people are also fearful of snakes, even non-venomous ones, and others are fearful of being bitten by dogs.

Character Traits

Some people have character traits that have a higher risk of getting panic attacks. Examples of such people are introverts, worriers, and perfectionists. So, if you are wondering, why do people have panic attacks, the answer is that the reasons are many. - 32513

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