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Symptoms |
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Palpitations, pounding heart or rapid heart rate
Sweating
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Chest pain or discomfort
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
Fear of losing control, dying or going crazy
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Causes
The exact cause of panic attacks is unknown. However, people who have family members with PD are more vulnerable to developing the illness. Distorted thinking and stress may be a trigger. Environmental stresses, such as the death of a loved one, getting divorced, moving to a different city or starting college, may trigger or worsen symptoms.
Panic disorder may also stem partly from an overproduction of the "fight-or-flight" hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine deep within the brain stem. An imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin, which is believed to play a major role in mood regulation, also may be involved.
More on Panic Disorder Panic Disorders
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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