Causes of Panic Disorders

Before you can understand what causes anxiety attacks, you first have to know that there are a lot of different reasons why someone might get an anxiety disorder. One person's trigger might not do anything to another person, but there are a few things that have been known to increase the odds of anxiety attacks. Researchers have discovered a few specific things that can increase anxiety conditions ranging from biological to life experiences.

First, some people just have anxiety and panic programmed into their genetics. There is some evidence that suggests that your personal heredity and environment you were raised in can lead to problems with anxiety, though this is no reason why this should lead you to give up hope for recovery. Studies show that some families have higher than average rates of anxiety. In many cases if one identical twin comes down with a panic disorder, the other twin stands a good chance of also getting the same panic disorder. Non-identical twins share a much weaker link, indicating that genetics does play a role. Some investigations also indicate that anxiety is something that we learn from our parents growing up.

Some causes of anxiety attacks can be linked to personality. Certain personality types seem to fixate on anxiety and panic more readily. People that have low self-esteem may also run a greater risk for attaining anxiety attacks. People that have not acquired proper coping skills have a larger rate of anxiety attacks too. Perfectionists also have a good chance of experiencing a panic attack or nervous breakdown when their carefully set plans do not live up to their expectations. These personality traits can always be modified by changing our beliefs.

When certain things happen to us we can sometimes get anxiety attacks. Abusive and violent life circumstances tend to influence a person's likelihood of panic attacks, usually when the cover a long time period. Therapy or counseling have been used effectively to work through the pain of suffering through traumatic life hardships.

Some medical conditions are also associated with increased levels of anxiety. Increased amounts of anxiety have been observed in cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, and overactive thyroid glands. Often times the worry associated with a grave medical condition can increase your anxiety.

Hopefully you have a better understanding on some of the many varied reasons a person might have an anxiety attack and the many traits that can contribute. With a bit of understanding I hope that you can start on the road to finding relief from anxiety and panic conditions.