Causes Of The Signs And Symptoms Of Panic Attacks

Although signs and symptoms of panic attacks are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, it’s important to identify what the causes are in order to better understand what kind of long term treatment should be given to the victim of a panic attack.

Here are are some of the causes that should be taken into account once it’s been determined that the signs and symptoms of panic attacks are just that and not anything else.

One of the causes of panic attacks is heredity.  When a patient is being treated for a panic attack in an emergency room, one of the questions the patient is asked is if anyone else in the family has suffered panic attacks.  Children with parents who take a dim view of life may be susceptible to panic attacks even if the parents never suffered a panic attack.  Another cause is biological.  This can be an obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.  Generally, with some counseling and family support, a victim who has suffered a panic attack and who has obsessive compulsive or post-traumatic stress disorder can gradually overcome this problem, or at least have less frequest episodes of panic attacks.

Other causes include lack of assertiveness, or the loss of a parent or significant other can trigger a panic attack.  For the most part, these causes may require professional psychological care.  What is also effective is the support friends and family can lend – not in the professional sense but in augmenting the professional care the victim should be receiving.  Here are some suggestions when a friend or loved on has suffered a panic attack.

Be more of a listener than a talker.  Do not pretend to be a psychologist, therapist, or even know how to treat a problem that caused a panic attack.  Many victims of panic attacks have probably had to endure some mean-spirited comments by those who totally misunderstand what a panic attack is.  Just listen and let the person speak about their concerns with you.  Again, don’t pretend you clinically understand panic attacks and do not recommend prescriptions, supplements, or even self-help books.  The professional working with the victim is the one who would make that determination.  Instead, offer to meet again and confirm that you’re available to talk.  A connection with a friend or relative among sufferers of panic attacks can help in the healing process.

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