That's why it's important to know what the symptoms are, and to make sure you get the right help. Many people experience occasional panic attacks, and if you have had one or two such attacks, there probably isn't any reason to worry. The key symptom of panic disorder is the persistent fear of having future panic attacks. Studies with twins have confirmed the possibility of 'genetic inheritance' of the disorder. Panic Disorder could also be due to a biological malfunction, although a specific biological marker has yet to be identified.
All ethnic groups are vulnerable to panic disorder.
For unknown reasons, women are twice as likely to get the disorder as men. Stressful life events can trigger panic disorders. One association that has been noted is that of a recent loss or separation. Although initially attacks may come out of the blue, eventually the sufferer may actually help bring them on by responding to physical symptoms of an attack. For example, if a person with panic disorder experiences a racing heartbeat caused by drinking coffee, exercising, or taking a certain medication, they might interpret this as a symptom of an attack and , because of their anxiety, actually bring on the attack.