When it all started in 1972, I did everything I could to try to understand what caused panic attacks. It was my only hope, as I didn’t know how to improve.
It’s not surprising that this need for immediate help is often fueled by a survival-driven dynamic.
Understanding the cause of an emotional, physical, or mental ailment becomes a priority when it is affecting you?
Maybe it’s only me. How can we manage something effectively if we do not fully understand it – and its cause?
Remember that the best treatment decisions are based on accurate diagnosis.
Two psychological theories that explain the cause of panic attacks
Panic attacks are caused by both biological and psychological factors, just like any other emotional/mental condition.
We’re going hang out with the psychological side. We’ll be checking in on two theories: cognitive and psychoanalytic.
Let’s do it…
Psychoanalytic
Psychoanalysts are likely to say that panic attacks begin in childhood and early childhood. There’s no surprise.
However, they would acknowledge that panic attacks can also be triggered by various cues that are present in the moment, such as fear of experiencing a panic attack when a similar one has just occurred.
For the record, an attack occurring under those circumstances could either be situationally-bound or situationally-predisposed.
Relieving wishes and fears
Psychoanalysts believe that both conscious and unconscious panic triggers are relief from intense childhood wishes and fears.
Panic attacks are a response to long-gone psychological and biological threats.
The cues, by the way, are based on themes that have been retained, such as castrations, separations, and parental disapproval.