What Triggers Panic Attacks

What Triggers Panic Attacks In Different Individuals

It seems as though the panic attacks come from nowhere.  However, if has been found that there are certain things that are what trigger panic attacks.  These triggers may vary from person to person such that what triggers panic attacks in one person may not do so for another sufferer of the same condition.  It is important that each person suffering from panic disorder recognize the triggers that affect him or her and do their best to deal with the situation when it arises. 

Internal and External Stimuli

Internal stimuli may include emotions, thoughts, sensations in the body such as a skipped heart beat and memories.  An external stimulus on the other hand includes things that may be perceived in the environment such a certain smell, a certain noise, change in room temperature or lighting and even a taste in your mouth.  What triggers panic attacks may be difficult to discern as one may be completely unaware of the trigger and it may be difficult to believe that such a thing could be what triggers the panic attacks. 

What may trigger panic attacks in your situation could be past events.  Post traumatic stress disorder is a leading cause of panic attacks in different individuals.  Memories of past events that were extremely hurtful can also be a trigger of the same.  If the person was unable to control the situation at the time the event occurred, getting in a different situation where they feel unable to control things may also trigger an attack.

Medications in the SSRI class of antidepressants are also included in the list of what triggers panic attacks.  This usually happens when one begins to take them or when one is being weaned off them.  Parasitic infections such as tapeworm are also among what triggers panic attacks.  Other triggers include psilocybin and marijuana intake.  For some, even mild stimulants like nicotine or caffeine can trigger an attack.

Classical Conditioning Among What Triggers Panic Attacks

Associating a place with an attack can be listed among what triggers panic attacks.  This then leads to one being cognitively predisposed to having panic attacks in that place.  An example is a car accident that may have been particularly traumatic for you.  If this happens you may associate panic attacks with a car.  From then on being in a car may be what triggers panic attacks in your case.  These kinds of triggers are very common and may lead to agoraphobia if left untreated.