Although a large number of people suffer from anxiety attacks, very little is known as to the root cause of the problem even though it does stem from anxiety, but why that anxiety exits is a mystery as just about anything can cause it. By recognizing the causes of anxiety attacks, it is the first step to controlling them as you learn that a particular trigger does not have to mean a panic attack.

Once you learn some of these triggers you may never have an anxiety attack again, no cause will be great enough to push you over the tipping point and into an uncontrollable anxiety attack. No-one should feel that feeling of anxiety so they must know from the outset that the goal is to eliminate the anxiety completely.

Anxiety attacks are often caused by emotions such as guilt, depression, self-consciousness, fear, anger and general frustration. As part of a condition called general anxiety disorder, they all originate in the same area of the brain and the symptoms are pretty much the same with anyone who suffers with it.

Linked to depression, anxiety attacks can be work related especially if the position has a great deal of pressure. Stress in small quantities can actually be good for us but if your workplace is creating large amounts of stress then it is not unusual for an panic attack to be a regular occurrence.

Symptoms are usually very visible as the victim starts to hyperventilate and may exhibit extreme signs of fear and their own impending death. Stopping this escalation of anxiety and fear is easier than you think and the first step in taking control starts with breathing so if you can control your breathing then you can control your brain's focus.

It is an easy matter to teach someone breathing exercises which will need to become an automatic response whenever a anxiety attack occurs. The breathing exercises are quite easy but may require some practice for someone in this position; all that needs to be done is to inhale for a couple of seconds while forcing the stomach out and then let the air out for the same amount of time for as long as necessary.

This is an important step as the person consciously controls their breathing then they begin taking control again which is the one thing that a anxiety attack takes away from the victim. You must actively take control of your physical symptoms (in this case hyperventilation) and by doing this, your body will automatically begin to calm down. If for some reason this method is not working then a doctor's advice and attention needs to be sought so the condition does not persist.