Mental Health Disorders
What causes a panic attack?
Answered by
Discovery Fit & Health
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Discovery Fit & Health
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Although they're not entirely sure of the causes, scientists propose several theories:
- Environmental: Childhood trauma, such as the death of a parent, is thought to contribute to the disorder [source: Campbell].
- Genetic: Studies show that identical twins are more likely to share the disorder than fraternal twins [source: Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders].
- Neurological:
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- Recurrent attacks sensitize parts of the brain so that even the slightest stimulant triggers a panic attack [source: Bourne].
- When sodium lactate or carbon dioxide levels in the brain increase, the rate of breathing increases, triggering a panic attack [source: Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders].
- Fewer serotonin receptors in the brain affect the supplies of serotonin and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) [source: NIMH].
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