Recent research indicates that 1 in 7
people suffer from panic. Anxiety
Disorders weren't recognized
until the mid-'80s, and there are over 100 causes of anxiety and panic.
The term "Anxiety Disorders," is an umbrella for
fourteen
different specific conditions. For a brief description of each disorder,
go to the following link:
14 Types of Anxiety
.
Some common biological causes
of an
anxiety disorder include
●
fasting
● aspirin intolerance
● psychoactive drugs
●
unstable thyroid
● blood sugar levels
● hormone production ● cold medications ● tranquilizers ● sleeping pills ● certain blood pressure
medications ● steroids ● even antidepressants
and some anti-anxiety medications can also create anxiety
reactions
Intoxication from stimulants such as
● caffeine ● cocaine ● amphetamines may produce this state.
In fact,
repeated cocaine use may eventually cause feelings of panic, and the
terror may continue for years after the drug is stopped.
● brain tumors ● epilepsy ● lung problems ● some
forms of disease may be a factor
Other less likely possibilities include
● vitamin B12 deficiency ● heavy metal intoxication.
Some common psychological causes
for the later development of the problem include
● separation anxiety ● sudden loss of a loved one during childhood ● serious disruption in the
child's family also may contribute to the problem.
Other possible psychological causes for the
later development of anxiety include
● alcoholism
● drug abuse in the
family
● child abuse
● a parent with an anxiety disorder
● being
over-protected
● excessive criticism ● taught to suppress
negative feelings such as anger ● an excessive need for approval ● rigid
family rules and beliefs
With the creation of any of these early
patterns, often followed by another significant trauma involving loss
later in life, the person may develop an anxiety-related disorder.
Brain Imbalance?
There is also scientific evidence that
anxiety-related problems such as stress, panic, and exaggerated fears are
the result of a functional imbalance between the right and left
hemispheres of the brain. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are
being used to study these theories.
Other research suggests that the brain
chemistry is out-of-balance. Relaxation can trigger anxiety attacks in
about 1 in 3 panic sufferers. It has also been observed that strenuous
exercise can intensify anxiety symptoms.
Inhaling modest amounts of carbon dioxide
produces attacks in nearly all predisposed patients.
Researchers are discovering that certain
psychotherapies may be more effective than drugs at eliminating panic over
the long term.
THIS IS
AN ALL INCLUSIVE WELCOMING PRACTICE
