Stress
Stress from divorce, moving, changing jobs, death of a loved one or other major life events trigger anxiety attacks.
Pregnancy
It is believed that pregnant women are more prone to anxiety attacks than non-pregnant females.
Illness
Illnesses stress the body and can bring on an anxiety attack, especially heart and lung disease.
Medications
Antidepressants, Ritalin and some antibiotics contribute to anxiety attacks.
Genes
Genetics is thought to play a role in anxiety attacks, as anxiety disorders tend to run in families.
Brain Chemistry
Brain chemistry imbalances, including high levels of norepinephrine (which increases anxiety) and low levels of serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which both relax the nervous system, are found in people with anxiety disorders.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from alcohol and stimulants causes anxiety attacks.
Tags: anxiety attacks, anxiety attacks, anxiety disorders