As the rate of panic attacks steadily increases, more and more people are searching for answers. Specifically, they want to know exactly what is causing their painful and frightening attacks that often come without warning and seemingly for no reason at all. And although there have been numerous studies on the subject, the etiology of panic attacks is still unknown and very much open to debate, as well as further study.  

There have been many papers written on the subject of panic disorder that outline various observations in patients who suffer from this affliction. However, many of those observations seem to lead in very different directions, leaving the etiology of panic attacks inconclusive to this day.

Here is a sampling of some of the observations that have been made while studying patients with panic disorder:

Childhood Abuse

Studies have suggested that physical and sexual abuse during childhood could result in the future development of panic disorder.

Inheritance And Predisposition

The potential of panic disorder has been shown to be higher in people with at least one close relative, particularly a parent, who has the disorder. This leads some experts to believe that at least some people may be predisposed.

Drug Use

A significant percentage of sufferers have traced the origin of their panic attacks back to the use of drugs, such as marijuana and amphetamines, and particularly cocaine.

Stress

As most people would suspect, stress seems to play a very big role in panic disorder. A large number of sufferers, approximately 80%, have reported that they experienced at least one significant stressful event in their lives prior to their first panic attack. Sources of such stress include relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, job loss, and excessive responsibilities.

Most panic attack sufferers have been found to share some or many commonalities, such as the ones listed above. And it may seem obvious that some of these would eventually manifest into a health issue later in life. But that doesn’t explain why some people can live normal lives after abusing drugs, suffering physical or sexual abuse, or experiencing a stressful event, while others are devastatingly affected.

For now, the etiology of panic attacks will go on unanswered. But as studies continue to dig deeper and deeper into the history, personalities, and experiences of panic attack sufferers, we get progressively closer to the answer.

However, as the search for the etiology of panic attacks continues, panic sufferers are left to contend with the looming fear that the next attack could come upon them at any moment. Whether they’re home with their families, at work, or driving on the highway, they know that a panic attack could suddenly appear at any time with dangerous and devastating effects. There is, however, a method to get control of panic attacks and stop them in their tracks. In fact, there is a specific four-step procedure for overcoming anxiety, fear, and panic attacks permanently. You can begin regaining control of your life today: http://anxietyattacksandpanicattacks.org