Common Risk Factors Associated With Panic Disorder

Various factors are associated with an increased risk of experiencing panic attacks and developing panic disorder and agoraphobia. These factors indicate particular characteristics frequently associated with the condition, but they do not necessarily cause panic disorder.

Age:

• Panic disorder often begins between late adolescence and early adulthood (18-35 years).
• It can occur at any age, including childhood or late adulthood.
• Recurring panic attacks can come and go throughout a person's life.

Gender:

• Women are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.
• Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience panic disorder.

Personality:

• Research suggests a link between certain childhood personality traits (e.g., fearful, anxious, nervous) and the later development of panic disorder.
• Parents may influence the risk of anxiety disorders in their children by fostering resilience.

Family Environment:

• Specific family traits have been associated with panic disorder:
• Parents who model anxiety or have high expectations for perfection may increase the risk of anxiety disorders in their children.
• However, individuals with panic disorder often come from diverse family backgrounds and dynamics.

Genetics:

• There is a strong genetic component to panic disorder.
• People with a close biological family member with panic disorder are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
• The risk increases if the family member developed the disorder before age 20.
• Despite this, many individuals with panic disorder do not have close relatives with the condition.

Life Events:

• Stressful life events, such as losing a loved one, job loss, or divorce, can contribute to the onset of panic disorder.
• Major life transitions (e.g., marriage, moving, having a child) can also be stressful.
• Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, have a higher correlation with panic disorder.
• Panic attacks can occur during stressful events but may not lead to a diagnosis of panic disorder.

Co-Occurring Conditions:

• Many individuals with panic disorder experience other mental health conditions, including:
• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder can also lead to agoraphobia, a fear of having a panic attack in public or embarrassing situations.