10 Causes of Lightheadedness
8. Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a well-defined psychiatric condition that involves the sudden onset (panic-attacks) of intense discomfort and a fear of dying or losing control, without any real danger or cause. Signs and symptoms of this condition include palpitations, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, abdominal pain, and nausea.
During panic attacks, people are prone to hyperventilate or breathe deeper and faster. This causes an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypocapnia), which, in turn, leads to metabolic disturbances. For example, respiratory alkalosis (an increase in blood pH) can occur as a consequence of hyperventilation in panic attacks and cause lightheadedness (among other symptoms).
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