Panic Disorder: Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

Causes

Scientists continue to look for the exact cause or causes of panic disorder. It is believed to be related to:

• Family history
• Other biological factors
• Stressful life events
• Increased sensitivity to physical sensations

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing panic disorder. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Sex: female
• Age: young adult
• History of another anxiety disorder
• Family history of panic disorders

Symptoms

Panic attacks usually occur unexpectedly and repeatedly. They include many of the following symptoms:

• Sudden and intense episodes of fear
• Racing, pounding, or skipping heartbeat
• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Difficulty catching breath
• Choking sensation or lump in the throat
• Excessive sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Tingling or numbness in parts of the body
• Chills or hot flashes
• Shaking or trembling
• Feelings of unreality, or being detached from the body
• An urge to flee
• Fear of impending doom, such as death, a heart attack, suffocation, loss of control, or embarrassment
• Stomach pain