Panic attacks and panic disorder

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Symptoms of panic disorder often start either in late adolescence or early adulthood and affect more women than men.

Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:

  • A family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
  • Significant stress
  • The death or serious illness of a loved one
  • Big changes in your life, such as the addition of a baby
  • A history of childhood physical or sexual abuse
  • Undergoing a traumatic event, such as an accident or rape
References
  1. Panic attack. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  2. Hollander E, et al. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  3. Ciechanowski P, et al. Overview of panic disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  4. Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  5. Davies RD. Panic attacks and panic disorder. In: Jacobson JL, et al. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Hanley & Belfus, Inc.; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178504199-14/0/1167/34.html?tocnode=49274996&fromURL=34.html#4-u1.0-B1-56053-418-4..50017-0_289. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  6. Answers to your questions about panic disorder. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  7. American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/pracGuide/pracGuideTopic_9.aspx. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
  8. Kinrys G, et al. Natural remedies for anxiety disorders: Potential use and clinical applications. Depression and Anxiety. 2009;26:259.
  9. Saeed SA, et al. Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. American Family Physician. 2007;76:549.
  10. Hall-Flavin, DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 16, 2010.
DS00338 March 25, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger