5 Causes of an Anxiety Attack

If you or someone you love experiences anxiety attacks, you know they’re terrifying. We understand and we want to help.

What causes anxiety attacks? Research has yet to identify specific causes, but it has identified five conditions which may put people at increased risk. Gender, genetics, nutrition, social/cultural influences and trauma may all play a role.

Here’s what research has determined:

• Gender — About two-thirds of anxiety and panic disorder sufferers are women.
• Genetics — Some research has indicated an increased risk among people with a family history of anxiety or panic attacks, and similar research has hinted at a similar result for those with a family history of anxiety disorders.
• Nutrition — Some studies have suggested deficiencies in magnesium or zinc can make a person more prone to experiencing a panic attack.
• Social/cultural influences — Individuals who are socially or culturally precluded from addressing and processing emotions in a healthy manner may be more likely to suffer from a panic disorder or an anxiety disorder.
• Trauma — People who have suffered a significant trauma or been abused may have an increased risk for an anxiety disorder.

Everyone feels a little anxious from time to time. More than a temporary worry or fear, an anxiety attack is characterized by intense feelings accompanied by physical symptoms.

Typical symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

• Sudden, overwhelming fear
• Fear of imminent death or impending doom
• Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat (sometimes accompanied by chest pain)
• Chills or hot flashes
• Sweating, trembling or dizziness
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs or entire body
• Shortness of breath
• Sensation of choking
• Nausea

While almost everyone experiences these symptoms when exposed to certain threats or stresses, individuals who suffer anxiety attacks experience these symptoms often, and many times in the absence of realistic stimulus. Because they are such powerful and painful experiences, anxiety attack sufferers can feel out of control. Does this sound familiar?

There is good news—Anxiety attacks and their symptoms can be successfully treated with the right information, help, and support. With treatment, many people get back to a fulfilling life.

At Honey Lake Clinic, our experienced doctors and staff strongly believe that faith-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting tools and knowledge to find happiness and wholeness again. Let us help you take back your life.

With anxiety attacks, shorter-term medications are helpful for decreasing the anxiety, allowing you to learn better stress and emotion management skills. The spiritual side of treatment is invaluable. Learning to lean on God for peace and rest and apply Biblical instruction will be the ultimate help to renew your mind and deal with adversity, worry, and fear.