Phobias or Fears If you have a fear or phobia, this will increase your chance of suffering from a panic attack when find yourself in fearful situation.
For instance, if you suffer from a fear of elevators then you are more likely to experience a panic attack when you are faced with using an elevator.
Social Events A lot of people find themselves frightened by social events.
For instance, if you are at a party and don't know anyone, this can bring on a panic attack.
Public Speaking It's estimated that more people are frightened of public speaking than they are of death.
Being asked to speak in front of an audience can be nerve wracking and has been known to bring on a panic attack.
Crowds Big crowds can be a source of panic attacks.
Even more so if the space containing the crowd is enclosed or otherwise claustrophobic.
This means that panic attacks can be brought on by seemingly innocent events like using a bus or the subway or even using a shopping mall on a busy day.
Enclosed Spaces At its worst, fear of enclosed spaces can develop into claustrophobia.
But for some people, a panic attack can be brought on by an enclosed space such as a narrow hallway, entering an elevator (glass sided elevators could bring on a fear of heights as well) or using a tunnel.
The panic attack can be triggered because you feel that you could be trapped in the enclosed space.
Substance Abuse Drugs and alcohol can bring on panic attacks.
Some drugs can cause irrational fears or thoughts.
Alcohol is a known depressant.
Caffeine is a stimulant that we accept in today's society.
Any or all of these factors can, in certain circumstances, bring on a panic attack.
Depression and Anxiety The altered states that are associated with depression or anxiety can be enough to bring on a panic attack in certain people.
Often there is a feeling of overwhelm associated with anxiety or depression.
This can then cause you to start to panic as the loss of control starts to become apparent.
These conditions also bring with them an emotional state that is more sensitive than usual, again making the likelihood of a panic attack higher.
Deaths, Divorces, Moving House Any of these major life events can be traumatic.
A panic attack can be the easiest way for someone to deal with the pressure caused by the loss of a close relative or family member.
Divorce introduces lots of new triggers into people's lives.
Moving house is stressful in many different ways and has been known to trigger attacks of panic in people.