• What causes panic attacks

  • Sources:

    Panic attacks can be triggered by various factors, including physiological and psychological elements. One common physiological trigger is the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the body, which can induce panic even in individuals who lack a typical fear response due to brain anomalies. This suggests that the body's response to carbon dioxide is a fundamental survival mechanism 1.

    Psychologically, panic attacks might stem from intense fear or trauma experiences. For example, a single traumatic event or accumulation of fear-inducing experiences can imprint themselves deeply into our memory, causing intense fear and anxiety responses later on 2. Additionally, there's a component of the stress response system, involving the release of hormones like adrenaline, that contributes to the long-lasting effects of fear and potentially panic attacks 3.

    Furthermore, studies indicate that CO2 levels can signal upcoming panic attacks up to 45 minutes before they occur, suggesting a physiological precursor that may contribute to the sudden onset of these episodes 4. Understanding these mechanisms can help in managing or predicting panic attacks more effectively.

    RELATED QUESTIONS