Panic Attack Triggers

Here you will find a list of the most common triggers for panic attacks. Take a careful look at this list. Highlight items you feel may contribute to your own symptoms of anxiety and panic.

Some triggers are simple enough to eliminate from your life without much effort. Others may require intensive therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy for example.

Using this form of therapy, your doctor will work with you to help eliminate negative self-talk so you will feel less anxious and more confident about your abilities.

Common triggers for panic attacks

Stress – How much stress do you have in your life? Stress is one of the more common causes for anxiety, which can lead to attacks of panic. Stress comes in many forms. It can result from lifestyle habits, from one’s job or career, or from external factors. You may find you have several different causes for stress in your life. Learning tools to reduce even a few of your stressors may help relieve your anxiety or the frequency of attacks of panic you experience in your life.

Illness – Some people experience more anxiety or attacks of panic when they are ill. This may result from excessive worry, and at times may result as a side effect of medications they take to control their illness. Others worry they are not able to meet the demands of their family or jobs when ill, which may trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

Social Phobias – Panic attacks or anxiety may result when you face upcoming social events. Some people do not handle interpersonal relationships or interactions with others well, causing anxiety. With time, this can lead to overwhelming anxiety or bouts of panic.

Hormonal Disorders – Physiological disorders including hormonal disorders can trigger panic in many.

Insomnia – Too little sleep may make you more prone to anxiety or panic.

Personal Loss – A recent death in the family or loss of a loved one or animal may trigger anxiety and panic.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Chronic diseases, including those causing embarrassment or discomfort, commonly trigger bouts of anxiety or panic.

Chemical Imbalances – These may be natural, or caused by ingestion of allergens, foods we are sensitive to, consumption of too much alcohol or even drug use.

New Situations – For some people, new situations, like a move to a new job or neighborhood, trigger anxiety or attacks of panic.

Unknown Causes – Sometimes a person experiences a panic attack for no “known” reason. If this happens, make sure you pay careful attention to the events occurring in your life. By working with your doctor or other healthcare provider, and keeping track of your lifestyle, you may find you can identify the cause of your attacks of panic or anxiety with time.

Naturally, each person is unique and different. Not everyone who experiences attacks of panic have the same trigger. Some people have very specific attacks of panic in certain situations, like when driving. This may result from a post-traumatic stress event, like a previous car accident.

Other people may experience panic when exposed to bees or other insects. They may have a specific type of anxiety disorder known as a phobia. There are many causes for phobia, and you will have to work with a healthcare professional to identify your personal panic attack triggers.