What Are Panic Attacks?

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Panic attacks are extremely worrying occurrences that seem to come out of nowhere, for no apparent reason, and whilst one is in progress it can be extremely debilitating. Symptoms can include: difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and ringing in the ears, to name but a few. When a panic attack happens, it is a very frightening experience, especially if you are unaware of what it actually is that is wrong with you. So, what are panic attacks and why do they occur?

A panic attack is the body’s physical reaction to sudden surges of adrenalin being released into the bloodstream; this is a totally natural reaction that occurs when you are placed in a threatening or dangerous situation. This automatic release of adrenalin prepares us for what is called the “fight or flight” mode, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Your body is preparing itself to either fight its way out of a dangerous situation, or to take flight to avoid the danger. So this answers the question of “what are panic attacks”, but it doesn’t explain why they occur in seemingly safe situations.

Panic attacks can be caused through several different types of physical events and may indicate another underlying problem, so in asking the question of  “what are panic attacks” we need to explore and understand these different possible trigger factors, and if necessary seek medical help. Here are some of physical events that could cause or contribute to the cause of panic attacks.

• Hypoglycemia; which is erratic sugar levels in the blood and can be caused through an inappropriate diet, or being on a slimming diet.
• Hyperventilation, or over-rapid breathing; this can begin in a small way without realization, which can then bring on a panic attack.
• Allergies to certain types of food.
• Anti-depressants, particularly if starting on a new medication.
• Certain drugs (cocaine etc), caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol, particularly if abused.
• Withdrawal from certain kinds of sedative type drugs (including nicotine, alcohol, and tranquillizers.
• Certain prescriptive medications (even nasal decongestants)
• Organic brain dysfunction
• Chronic pain
• Other causes (like jet lag for example)

For more answers to the question of “what are panic attacks”, we now need to explore causes other than the physical, but do not lose sight of the fact that causes could be a combination of both physical and mental events too. Unpleasant or stressful tasks such as visiting your bank manager to discuss an overdraft, or filling in your tax return, can lead to panic attacks; in other words any tasks or situations that raise the levels of apprehension.

But questions like “what are panic attacks”, are made even more difficult to answer if no apparent cause is obvious. In the case of panic attacks it is wholly possible to experience one, not during the stressful event itself, but actually after it. It’s a sort of delayed reaction.

The problem with panic attacks is that although they may be triggered by a wholly psychological event, they are none the less, a real physical manifestation than causes deep concern and anxiety. But the actual root cause, and therefore the simple answer to “what are panic attacks” is that they are the effects of a rush of adrenalin, although as you can see in our short analysis, there are many other factors to consider in order to gain a fuller understanding.

Please also check out my other guide on panic disorder treatment and treatment for panic attack



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