Panic attacks lead to a ‘hyperactive’ state of mind and resultant behavior in individuals, due to too much of sudden rush of ‘adrenaline’. These attacks result from a situation of anxiety and distress due to a number of inter-related factors. The factors responsible for the overproduction of this chemical called ‘adrenaline’, and hence the panic attacks, can be any or all of the following -

Physical factors: dieting, or low blood pressure
Emotional factors: causing anxiety or depression
Spiritual factors: despair or death
Emotional/physical factors: phobia, exhausted nerves, causing muscle spasm or hyperventilation.

Causes of Panic attacks
There are many different things that maybe the causes of panic attacks, which cannot be clearly named or explained. However, it is seen that various types of panic disorders tend to run in families for one reason or another – the ‘genetic inheritance’ theory. Panic attacks generally come on during some form of life-changing transition such as school graduations, the birth of the new child or the death of a loved one.

Another one of the main causes of panic attacks may also be a vitamin or mineral deficiency. One of the most common deficiencies that maybe the cause of panic attacks is that of vitamin B. Surprisingly, many individuals who are prone to panic attacks can be been helped by popping a multivitamin pill every day.

Panic disorder
People who suffer from panic disorder regularly experience sensations of very strong panic. These attacks can last from one to ten minutes or longer. Sometimes they may also experience a series of attacks over a longer period, like several hours. Some people get these attacks constantly, in some cases every day of their lives.

The symptoms of panic disorder include –
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness
Trembling.
Sometimes panic attacks can also occur during sleep. This happens to about half of all people who have panic disorder. During a nocturnal panic attack sufferers wake up in the middle of the night in a state of total panic.

Panic attacks during pregnancy
It is quite natural for pregnant women to experience some anxiety. These small anxieties are normal like - Will labor and childbirth hurt too much? Will the baby be healthy? Will you be a good parent to your child?

However, if you have a panic attack, these thoughts cause you to become so anxious and fearful that you begin to feel lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, or even as if you’re having a heart attack!

One way to stave off pregnancy anxiety attacks is to have fewer things to worry about. Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable with and follow his/her advice about frequent exercise and eating healthy meals. Practice deep breathing techniques, take up yoga or meditation, stay physically active, and keep company with people who make you feel good and make you laugh.
Preventing panic attacks

Stress can often lead to feelings of panic that can turn into panic attacks. When seeking tips to prevent panic attacks it is also important to look at ways in which you can nurture yourself and reduce the amount of stress in your life. Consider these options:
Get enough sleep
Exercise on a regular basis to relieve tension
Read a good book
Reduce intake of caffeine, including cola, coffee and tea-caffeine
Eliminate or reduce intake of alcohol and tobacco
Eat nutritious meals, including breakfast

Breathing and relaxation techniques are an excellent example of tips to prevent panic attacks that can be practiced and used on a regular basis. Ideally, these techniques should be practiced on a daily basis in order to see the most achievement from them.