Can stress cause panic attacks?

Video by Jenny, text by Dr. Carandang

Hi, it’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Robert in Burlington, Vermont. Can stress cause panic attacks?

Yes, stress can trigger or exacerbate panic attacks. When your stressors are unmanageable and you start developing panic attacks, it’s time to seek help. There are excellent resources available which offer support and guidance.

Some people become so petrified of having another panic attack that they withdraw from going out whenever possible. Apart from going to work, they don’t leave their homes for anything else and the effects of the panic attacks then may lead to agoraphobia, where they avoid places for fear of having another panic attack or fear they may not receive help. The person with panic attacks also may develop anticipatory anxiety, where they wait in fear for the next panic attack to occur.

Panic attacks are treatable. First line treatment is psychotherapy. If the anxiety is severe or if psychotherapy fails, then the doctor can prescribe a medication for anxiety. For more information on how to deal with a panic attack, please click here.