KB120
  |  Home  |  Allergies  |  ADHD  |  Alzheimers Disease  |  Anxiety Disorders  |  Arthritis  |  Asthma  |  Back Pain  |  Breast Cancer  |  Colorectal Cancer  |  
 kb120 > Anxiety Disorders > All Topics > Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder > Text
Font Size
A
A
A

Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder - What Increases Your Risk

The risk of having panic attacks and developing Panic Disorder may be higher if you:

  • Have a family history of panic disorder. You are 8 times more likely to develop Panic Disorder if a family member has been diagnosed with it.1 You are also at increased risk if you have a parent with either depression or bipolar disorder.4, 5
  • Have other conditions associated with Panic Disorder or panic attacks, such as depression.
  • Drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, chain-smoke cigarettes, or drink large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
  • Take medications known to trigger panic attacks, such as those used to treat asthma or heart problems.
  • Have mitral valve prolapse, a heart condition in which one of the valves in the heart does not close as it should.
  • Have had previous, unexpected panic attacks.
  • Have experienced an episode of major depression.
  • Are a woman who has recently gone through menopause.9