So what causes a panic attack? While the exact causes of panic attacks (or anxiety attacks) is relatively unknown, especially since fear and panic are natural emotions exhibited by human beings in times of stress or even danger. It is understood, however, that panic attacks are the result of a malfunction in an individual’s natural response to stress. Again, panic is natural. Yet, individuals suffering from panic attack disorder must learn to determine what triggered their response so as to better cope with reducing the frequency of attacks. For instance, if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your debts, or having difficulty falling asleep the night before an exam, you can logically ascertain that those are triggers. As such, you can begin learning effective coping mechanisms. In some instances, panic attacks are the result of natural causes (and not simply external stress of life events). For instance, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, adrenal disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute respiratory distress syndrome can induce panic attacks, or even increase one’s likeliness for panic attacks.

Additionally, if one is particularly prone to panic attacks, they may find it helpful to consult a therapist to determine whether or not the frequency is representative of a possible mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress (PTSD), or major depression. In doing so, effective natural anxiety cures can be identified.

Speaking of treating anxiety attacks, treatment is usually based on both frequency and severity. Common anxiety treatments include the following:

• Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and guided imagery may help reduce anxiety.
• Biofeedback. Using sensors that measure physiological arousal brought on by anxiety (such as changes in heart rate and muscle tension), biofeedback teaches you to recognize and control these body processes.
• Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis for anxiety is conducted by a clinical hypnotherapist who works with you using different therapeutic techniques while you?re in a state of deep relaxation.
• Acupuncture. An ancient tradition in popular Chinese medicine, acupuncture may also help reduce anxiety.

Furthermore, natural remedies for panic attacks include valerian root and kava. Keep in mind, however, that the effectiveness of such natural anxiety treatment is not well-documented. As such, it is recommended that individuals suffering from panic attacks consult a trained therapist for advice on finding natural anxiety cures such as those previously mentioned.

Remember, panic attacks are a very real disorder. Yet, you do not have to live with the pain of anxiety. Panic attacks are treatable. If you or someone you love suffers from panic attacks, Click here to find helpful tips for panic attacks. With the information and tools found here, you can learn how to cure yourself of anxiety and panic attacks.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Individuals with generalized anxiety order experience pathological anxiety. In other words, they constant worry about every aspect of their life. They live in constant fear of something bad happening, analyze and dissect what other people say and do (even what they, themselves, say and do), and avoid certain situations for fear of appearing inadequate or inferior. Typically generalized anxiety disorder can be treated through psychotherapy (talk therapy) which includes behavior therapy, aimed at retraining one’s thoughts and reactions to potential stressors.

Panic disorder/panic attacks

Perhaps, the most well-known but least understood is panic disorder, or panic attacks. The emotional and physical responses of a panic attack can be so severe that an individual may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack. Typically triggered by a stressful event, or the anticipation of a stress event (i.e., public speaking, taking a test, seeing an old boyfriend, a tax audit, appearing in court, or any other stressful event), panic attacks can induce a series of symptoms including: heart palpitations, cold sweats, trembling, muscle contracting, twitching, blurred vision, insomnia, shortness of breath, sensitivity to light and noise, racing thoughts, and irritability. Depending on the severity and the frequency of the panic attacks, individuals may benefit from counseling, support groups, antidepressants, exercise, and other natural anxiety treatments to help relieve stress.

Social anxiety

The underlying premise behind social anxiety is the fear of social situations, which stems from the fear of possible embarrassment, ridicule, prejudgment and/or humiliation. Individuals who suffer from social anxiety may avoid social interaction with strangers, or even avoid public places entirely. The very thought of being among a crowd of people, or walking down a busy street can be so intimidating that the individual may experience panic attacks. Social anxiety is generally treatable with therapy and, depending on the severity, medication.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious form of anxiety in which a person either relives a traumatic event from the past, or lives in constant fear another traumatic event is about to occur (or both). Once thought to be more common among veterans of war, psychologists are seeing PTSD in abused children, rape victims, survivors of natural disasters and other ordeals. PTSD can be a debilitating condition, interfering with daily activities and even interpersonal relationships. Many individuals with PTSD complain of terrifying thoughts and dreams, a constant sense of pending doom and paranoia, and may suffer from frequent, unexpected panic attacks at the slightest perception of danger or stress. PTSD usually requires psychotherapy and other natural treatments for anxiety.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is, perhaps, the more serious form of anxiety. OCD is indicative of a neurobiological dysfunction that causes an individual to repeat unnecessary rituals compulsively. Whether it be checking and rechecking to see if doors are locked multiple times, even after the individual knows the door is, in fact, locked; or compulsively washing hands and counting steps while walking, OCD often interferes with an individual?s ability to perform daily activities. While panic attacks are not necessarily symptomatic of OCD, individuals may experience intense anxiety manifested through panic attacks, at the thought of diverting from rigid patterns and/or when certain behaviors and routines are challenged.

Phobias

By definition, a phobia is the intense fear of something real or imagined. Whether it is the fear of snakes and spiders or the fear of heights and tunnels, phobias are irrational reaction toward a perceived danger. Phobias are more than anxiety; rather fear that manifests itself through illogical behaviors including avoidance, even panic attacks at the sheer thought of coming into contact with the object of fear.

In summary, anxiety is a very real condition. Yet, it is very treatable. If you suspect that you may be suffering from one of the aforementioned conditions, or you have a loved one battling anxiety, remember that you do not have to live in fear. There is hope. There are various treatments for anxiety designed to help you cure yourself of anxiety and panic attacks. Knowledge is power! And you have the power to take that first step toward conquering anxiety.

So, what causes an anxiety attack? While it is not clear what exactly causes anxiety attacks (or panic attacks), it is understood that anxiety attacks are the result of a malfunction in an individual’s natural response to stress. It should be known that fear and panic are natural emotions exhibited by human beings in times of stress and that panic is very natural and common. Yet, individuals suffering from anxiety attack disorder must learn to determine what triggered their response so as to better cope with reducing the frequency of attacks. For instance, if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your debts, or having difficulty falling asleep the night before an exam, you can logically ascertain that those are triggers. As such, you can begin learning effective coping mechanisms.

In some instances, panic attacks are the result of natural causes (and not simply external stress of life events). For instance, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, adrenal disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute respiratory distress syndrome can induce panic attacks, or even increase one’s likeliness for panic attacks. Additionally, if one is particularly prone to panic attacks, they may find it helpful to consult a therapist to determine whether or not the frequency is representative of a possible mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress (PTSD), or major depression. In doing so, effective natural anxiety cures can be identified.

Speaking of treating anxiety attacks, treatment is usually based on both frequency and severity. Common anxiety treatments include the following:

Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and guided imagery may help reduce anxiety.

Using sensors that measure physiological arousal brought on by anxiety (such as changes in heart rate and muscle tension), biofeedback teaches you to recognize and control these body processes.

Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis for anxiety is conducted by a clinical hypnotherapist who works with you using different therapeutic techniques while you’re in a state of deep relaxation.

Acupuncture. An ancient tradition in popular Chinese medicine, acupuncture may also help reduce anxiety.

Furthermore, natural remedies for panic attacks include valerian root and kava. Remember, panic attacks are a very real disorder. Yet, you do not have to live with the pain of anxiety. Panic attacks are treatable.

For starters, panic attacks are defined as a sudden and unexpected period of intense fear or discomfort that come almost out of the blue. The American Psychological Association puts it this way: “a surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than the feeling of being stressed out that most people experience.” While the symptoms of panic attacks are commonly induced by stressful events or situations, there are also natural causes for panic attacks. Certain health problems such as adrenal disease, diabetes, or pulmonary disease can increase one’s likeliness for having panic attacks. In some cases, when panic attacks are frequent and severe, the cause may be attributed to chemical imbalances in the brain (i.e., depression) or past trauma (i.e., post traumatic stress disorder). That said, health professionals have identified three distinct forms of panic attacks:

Unexpected panic attacks occur spontaneously with a clear, discernable reason. Unexpected panic attacks might even occur when one is relaxed or asleep.

Situationally bound panic attacks are triggered by a specific situation (i.e., crossing a bridge, public speaking, or taking a test). Situationally bound panic attacks almost always occur immediately after one is exposed (or anticipates being exposed) to the situation they fear most.

Situationally predisposed panic attacks are similar to situationally bound panic attacks, in the sense that they are triggered by a specific situation. Yet, situationally predisposed panic attacks occur less frequently. Additionally, situationally predisposed panic attacks don’t always occur immediately after exposure to the feared situation. For example, if one’s panic attacks are triggered by public speaking, there are times when that individual will give a speech without having a panic attack, whereas the panic attack only starts after they have already been speaking for 15 minutes.

With that, what can you or someone you love do to help reduce their likeliness of having a panic attack? While the exact cause of panic attacks is unknown, there are natural remedies for panic attacks. Perhaps the most preferred method of anxiety treatment recommended by health care professionals is cognitive behavioral treatment. During cognitive behavioral treatment involves teaching patients how to effectively manage stress and emotions; to identify triggers and how to effectively cope so as to reduce panic attacks. This is generally accomplished through breathing and relaxation exercises, physical exercise (i.e., running, yoga, or dance). If one is particularly prone to panic attacks, they may be referred to support groups specifically geared toward anxiety treatment, even psychotherapy. In particularly severe cases, a patient may be prescribed medication (i.e., antidepressants) as a method of effective of anxiety treatment.