Panic Attacks And Panic Disorder: What Increases Your Risk

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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 medicines 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

Last updated:	September 16, 2008
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC