In understanding what causes anxiety attacks it is important to understand there are a variety of anxiety disorders and therefore a broad spectrum of causes that can result in anxiety attacks. Certainly, the presence of one trigger will not necessarily indicate a guarantee that someone will develop an anxiety attack; however, certain factors have been shown to result in an increased risk of anxiety attacks.

There is actually no known precise cause of generalized anxiety disorder; however, researchers have discovered a few interesting facts related to the question of what causes anxiety attacks. Specifically, it has been determined that a wide variety of environmental, biological, psychological, cultural and life experience factors can all have an impact on the risk of developing anxiety attacks.

First, it should be understood that some people tend to be predisposed to anxiety attacks. This certainly doesn’t mean there is any reason to throw in the towel and assume there is now way to find relief from anxiety; however, both environmental and hereditary factors can have a strong impact on whether an individual develops problems with anxiety attacks. In this regard, research has shown that anxiety disorders do tend to run in families. Studies have even indicated that in the case of identical twins, if one twin develops an anxiety disorder, the other twin is at a much higher risk for also developing a type of anxiety disorder. The risk; however, is not as high in non-identical, or fraternal twins, lending further credence to the belief that the risk of developing an anxiety disorder is strongly associated with genetics. In some cases; however, it has been shown that anxiety can actually be a learned disorder.

In addition, persons with certain personality types have been found to be more prone to having anxiety disorders than others. For example, persons with low-self esteem have been noted to have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders than persons with high self-esteem. In addition, individuals with poor coping skills may also be at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. Conversely, in some cases, individuals who have typical Type A personalities, also frequently referred to as perfectionists, may also be at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders when their expectations fail to live up to reality.

It should also be noted in considering what causes anxiety attacks that stressful life experiences can also cause anxiety in some people. Researchers have discovered there is a definite relationship between exposure to poverty, violence and abuse over a long period of time and the development of anxiety disorders.

It should also be understood that certain medical conditions can also cause symptoms related to anxiety. These medical conditions can include an overactive thyroid gland as well as chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The stress of dealing with any serious illness can also result in symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

Through understanding what causes anxiety attacks it is hoped that researchers and individuals who suffer from anxiety alike can gain a better understanding of this health condition and how to utilize prevention measures to reduce symptoms.

Got anxiety and panic attacks? Learn how this survivor beat 10 years of chronic anxiety, panic attacks and even depression without medications and expensive therapies by clicking here.

You know it and I know it, dealing with chronic anxiety and panic attacks can seem like a no-win situation. What works for some doesn’t work for others. In the article below, one lady shares what worked for her…
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7 Strategies to Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks
By Glenda Thomas

You Can Overcome panic attacks and anxiety!

That is great news to those who suffer day in and day out, year in and year out. I have and I know that you can too.

THE SYMPTOMS
For me it started with heart palpitations. My thoughts immediately steered to fear. Then my throat would become dry so I could not swallow. Then my body would feel “weird”. Dizziness and blurred vision. By this time I was convinced that I was about to die. I kept waiting for the symptoms to get worse and they did. I use to suffer from panic attacks so badly that I had to go to the hospital by ambulance. I was so embarrassed when the doctor checked me and told me that there was nothing wrong with me. When I had to go grocery shopping I would get a funny feeling in my stomach before I left the house. Once I got inside the grocery store I felt like I had to run out or else I would become overwhelmed. I dreaded the thought that I might have a panic attack in public. I had to talk to myself and prayed up and down each and every aisle of the store. I knew that if I ran out, my family would not have food and I would have to start all over again. The people in the store had no idea the personal torture I was experiencing. People at church had no idea how hard it was to sit in a large crowd.

AWARENESS When the symptoms first started, I had no idea what was happening to me. One day I was watching T.V. and some people were on a show talking about the symptoms and the light went on, “That’s me! That’s what I have been going through”. That was the beginning of my healing! Knowledge is power. I thank God that He allowed me to turn to the channel and hear those people talking. I also helped me to know that I was not alone. I suppose that those of you who suffer from the effects of anxiety are glad to hear that you are not alone.

Steps to Overcoming

1) READ Read as much as possible about anxiety and understand what are some of the causes. (Email me for link to books).

2)PROFESSIONAL HELP Go to a counselor or therapist to get to the bottom of the anxiety. The physical discomforts are trying to get your attention - Pay attention to a greater dis-ease within. Pray for God to send you to the right person. He will.

3)RELAXATION Listen to a tape or CD for RELAXATION This was one of the things that helped me tremendously. I needed to reprogram my mind with positive and true statements that were life giving and empowering. Click below for CD’s and cassette tapes to help you overcome anxiety and panic attacks. Breathing correctly is a part of relaxation.

4) EXERCISE Physical excercise has tremendous value. It releases chemicals that generate good feelings, called pheromones. It’s good to feel good!

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