They fear that this strange experience is something that doesn't happen to other people. Panic disorder usually begins in the late teens through the mid-thirties, but can also occur in children and older adults. Two thirds of patients with panic disorder are women. The tendency to have panic attacks seems to run in families. As in any disease, people with panic disorder may have complications.
Some people think of themselves as weak or defective because they have panic attacks.
The strain that panic disorder puts on families can cause marital and family problems. In addition, about one third of people with panic disorder also have depression or problems with drugs or alcohol use. If you have panic disorder or agoraphobia, a complete physical exam is the first step. You can talk with your doctor about your panic attacks and other problems. Although panic disorder can feel terrible, it can be treated.