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Causes Of Panic Attacks And Anxiety
Cause of Anxiety – The Origins of Fear
Is it possible to know the cause of anxiety disorders? Anxiety attacks happen more frequently than one would suspect. Chronic anxiety is debilitating and affects the lives of innumerable individuals. Fear is quite a natural human reaction. However, if the fear has no tangible cause, then it becomes a disorder. It may be said that anxiety disorders are like forming incorrect habits. The fear response is linked to a stimulus that presents no real danger. The cause of anxiety disorders can be numerous. First consider what anxiety is. It is a base emotion. It is part of our natural fight or flight response. We are wired to be ready to fight a giant saber tooth tiger or flee. Anxiety is the feeling we get when faced with a stimulus that our mind feels is a danger to us. Anxiety is not dangerous, it is a protection.
Cause of Anxiety – A Rundown
Biological Factors - There are many biological factors that are known as what causes anxiety. Such biological triggers can include hypoglycemia (which is when the blood sugar level gets too low), Wilson's Syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and inner ear infections or disturbances can all cause an anxiety or panic attack. Anxiety can even be caused by infection or parasitic infestation, such as a tape worm. An unbalanced diet and poor exercise regimen can even lead to anxiety.
Lack of Balanced Nutrition - While not likely the major cause for anxiety problems, an unhealthy diet can help increase a person’s chances of developing anxiety problems. A diet rich in carbohydrates can cause high insulin levels which can affect sugar levels. High sugar-levels have a role in affecting a person’s mood. Eating a more balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and fish will easily correct insulin levels.
Existing Phobias - Another trigger to anxiety can include existing phobias in an individual. Any person that is predisposed to fear can and will exhibit anxious feelings when exposed to such fearful events. Things like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, significant personal loss, or major life event like a marriage, divorce, or the death of a loved one can also trigger and cause anxiety.
Physical Inactivity – It’s not only good for our bodies. Exercise plays an important role in emotional and mental well-being. Hormonal balance is strongly linked to the levels physical activity a person has. Hormones can affect emotions and thinking patterns in humans. Exercising for at least one hour a day has been shown to improve and stabilize hormone levels. To prove how important hormone levels are, some patients with anxiety disorders actually get hormonal therapy from their doctors.
Stressful Environment – Constant stress is bad for the mind. A study reveals that a significant number of people who have anxiety disorders have a history of dysfunctional families where stress and anxiety levels were very high. People can avert disorders by practicing stress management and relaxation techniques to combat the stress.
Medication - People react differently to different medications. This indicates that some people may experience feelings of anxiety as a direct result to certain pharmaceuticals. One medication that is commonly associated with causing anxiety in individuals is Ritalin. Additionally, almost the entire class of SSRI antidepressants, which is the class commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, is known to elevate feelings of anxiety during the first few weeks of the regimen.
Sleep Deprivation – Lack of sleep affects the body in so many ways. It affects brain activity and hormonal levels. It is a well-known fact that sleep-deprived individuals tend to be cranky. This could exacerbate stressful situations. Having enough sleep is important.
Drug Abuse – Another leading cause of anxiety disorders is substance abuse. Some forms of anxiety disorders have their roots from drug intake. This is yet another reason why preventing drugs is important.
Genetics - There is evidence that genetics can play an important role in developing anxiety. About 25% of people who are pre-disposed to serotonin and dopamine imbalance have a family history of anxiety disorders.
Traumatic Events - Anxiety disorder may also develop as a result of traumatic event, such as car accident, terrorism, physical or emotional abuse and natural cataclysms. In this case painful memories, nightmares, scary thoughts and anniversaries of the event can trigger anxiety attacks and outbursts of anger. Anxiety attacks usually.
What causes anxiety can also depend on the person as well. A combination of factors may contribute to the appearance of anxious feelings. Part of treating anxiety depends on the causes or triggers of the anxious feelings. Once the cause of anxiety is determined, the patient can engage in the proper method of treatment. The methods of treatment can vary from person to person but can include herbal therapy, aromatherapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, massage therapy, medication, and even relaxation techniques.
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