Posted by nolvas on October 19, 2006, at 3:34:52
In reply to What causes panic attacks, posted by kiwiredbeach on October 18, 2006, at 21:27:52
"What Causes Panic Disorder?
Heredity, other biological factors, stressful life events, and thinking in a way that exaggerates relatively normal bodily reactions are all believed to play a role in the onset of panic disorder. The exact cause or causes of panic disorder are unknown and are the subject of intense scientific investigation.
Studies in animals and humans have focused on pinpointing the specific brain areas and circuits involved in anxiety and fear, which underlie anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Fear, an emotion that evolved to deal with danger, causes an automatic, rapid protective response that occurs without the need for conscious thought. It has been found that the body's fear response is coordinated by a small structure deep inside the brain, called the amygdala.
The amygdala, although relatively small, is a very complicated structure, and recent research suggests that anxiety disorders may be associated with abnormal activitation in the amygdala. One aim of research is to use such basic scientific knowledge to develop new therapies."
I don't think you can pin down panic attacks to just one cause it's usually a combination of things. Allergies can also be responsible, for example some people allergic to gluten will experience intense panic attacks and once they stop eating gluten the panic attacks stop or are less intense.
I'm afraid there's more than one cause. The best known way to deal with panic attacks and other anxiety conditions is to change your behaviour towards them. Which is basically feeling the fear and learning that you won't faint, you certainly won't go crazy and you won't die, and learning how to cope. The body/brain is capable of learning and adapting, you just need to take it one step at a time and over time the body will learn to not be afraid. Easier said than done of course. However if you can stick it out, you have the best chance of recovery.
There's a free course that is really behaviour therapy and breathing techniques, which you may find helpful. Learning to breathe properly to control panic can be empowering.
http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk/
"Breathing-Master-Key-Self-Healing"
http://www.anxietycoach.com/pan5.htm
http://www.anxietycoach.com/breathing.htm
poster:nolvas
thread:695921
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061013/msgs/695972.html