From Cathleen Henning Fenton,
Your Guide to Panic Disorder.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

What makes one person more likely to develop panic disorder than another? Can anyone get panic disorder? Research over the past few decades has indicated that there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person having or developing panic disorder.

Gender

Women are twice as likely to develop panic disorder than men. Scientists theorize that hormones may play a role in the onset of panic disorder in women.

Age

Panic disorder usually develops in one's late teens and early twenties, but it may develop at any time.

Family

Studies have shown that panic disorder may run in families. If you have a sibling or a parent with panic disorder, you are 20% more likely to develop panic disorder at some time in your life.

Anxiety Disorders Run in Families, Study Confirms

Genetics

Twin studies first showed a possible genetic component of panic disorder. In one study of identical twins, one twin having panic disorder meant the other had a 31% chance of developing it too. More recent studies have focused on specific genes, particularly the 5-HTT gene, which regulates serotonin in the brain. In the future, genetic testing may be able to predict people at risk for panic disorder.

Nature vs. Nurture: A Gene Study

Other Medical and Psychiatric Conditions

Those with a history of cardiac symptoms, shortness of breath, or seizures have been found to be at an increased risk for panic disorder. Additionally, a history of depression, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse may also increase the risk of developing panic disorder. A history of childhood anxiety disorder -- particularly separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and simple phobia -- increases the chance of developing panic disorder in adulthood.

Socioeconomic Status

People with less money may be at higher risk for developing panic disorder. Additionally, people with less education, particularly those that did not finish high school, may also be at higher risk.

Poverty Increases Risk for Mental Illness

Stressful Life Events

Stressful life events may increase the likelihood of panic disorder. These types of events include divorce, death of a loved one, or similar situations.

History of Child Abuse

Several studies have shown that child abuse increases the chance of adult anxiety disorders. In one study, 33% of women with anxiety disorders had experienced some form of childhood abuse, and 60% of those women had panic disorder as the primary disorder.

Child Abuse and Adult Anxiety: When the Past Won't Let Go

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