What actually causes panic attacks? Panic attacks are brought on most commonly by 2 different feelings which are FEAR and STRESS! When you have an overwhelming feeling of fear or you are put under sudden or excessive stress, a panic attack is usually the outcome. Its basically a way of the body saying that it cannot handle this anymore and goes into shutdown or panic mode. The feeling of that panic attack in most cases is horrifying and something many sufferers dream to live without.

So what causes panic attacks to arise?

This question will bring a different answer from person to person depending on how sever their attacks actually are. But the most common causes of panic attacks are as follows:

Excessive Stress Or Tension
Situational (Public Speaking, Crowded Places, Public Places etc.)
Phobias
Life Occurrences (Loss of job or a death in the family!)
Alcohol Or Drug Abuse
Genetic
Fear Of Another Attack

Not every cause of a panic attack is a huge occurrence as the severe sufferers can be effected from even the smallest thing. As you can see above though, the majority of causes are focused around STRESS or FEAR as mentioned in the first paragraph. The last cause above is one that effects many panic attacks sufferers without them realising, they fear another attack coming on which in turn actually brings another attack on. This is very common in most sufferers and one that is overlooked and underestimated when trying to work out the root to your attacks.

Treating your condition is imperative, however severe. Panic attacks are like most things and if they are left untreated they can quite easily spiral completely out of control, a lot quicker than you may think! So if you can work out what causes your panic attacks you will be one step closer to the elusive treatment that will rid you of this terrible condition.