If you can figure out what normally triggers your panic attack then you have the upper hand. Start working on whatever causes that trigger and you'll automatically reduce the chance of a panic attack caused by it.

For instance, if you discover that one of your triggers for your panic attacks is the fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) then you could look into getting a hypnosis session that could reduce the fear or even get rid of it completely. Once the fear has disappeared then any panic attack outbreak that would have been caused by that fear will disappear with it.

If you're not sure what is causing you to have a panic attack, then prevention becomes slightly more difficult. It is easiest and best to work out what the root cause is. Otherwise you are in danger of papering over the cracks – modern medication is a good example of this. Instead of finding out why people have panic attacks, western medicine offers up a magic pill that will get rid of the effects while leaving the cause untouched, possibly to develop further and require more or stronger drugs next time.

Keep a diary of when you have panic attacks. Try to work back for a few minutes or hours before the attack and see what caused it. Once you have a few examples, you will probably find the cause starts to become obvious. When you've found one of the causes, you can work on that cause and therefore preventing the next panic attack from that cause. You may also find that a trusted friend can help you with this identification. Friends often spot things well before we do but they can be reluctant to come forward for fear of offending us.

If you don't yet know what is causing your panic attacks, don't worry. You can still work on ways to prevent panic attacks by a few simple changes in how you run your life.

Start by taking up a regular form of relaxation. This can be a simple breathing technique. Or it can be something more organized such as yoga or meditation. Anything that helps you to calm down the pace of modern day life and helps you to relax is a good place to start. Search around and find which method works best for you. You may find that a regular walk is all that it takes to let you become more relaxed.

Then analyze your diet. Are you drinking lots of coffee? Is cola part of your regular diet? Do you smoke? Do you regularly drink alcohol? Is most of your food processed rather than fresh?

Start to address these dietary factors and you will likely find that you're on your way to reducing or preventing your panic attacks.