The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown and is the subject of intense scientific investigation. Possible causes include heredity, other biological factors, stressful life events, and overreacting to normal bodily sensations. Some research suggests panic attacks occur when a suffocation alarm mechanism in the brain erroneously fires, falsely reporting that death is imminent. Treatment for panic disorder includes medications and a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches people how to view panic attacks differently and demonstrates ways to reduce anxiety. NIMH is conducting a large-scale study to evaluate the effectiveness of combining these treatments.
Most patients show significant progress after a few weeks of therapy.
Relapses may occur, but they can often be effectively treated just like the initial episode. Research shows that panic disorder can coexist with other disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of other disorders such as substance abuse or depression are important to successfully treat panic disorder. It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately available.