Factors behind Panic Disorder

For many years researchers are busy in finding the actual causes and factors behind panic disorder which has become one of the most occurring mental illnesses of western society. A large section of society has already experienced this painful condition at least once or twice a month. In some cases certain place or happening causes to trigger a panic attack and in cases it occurs with no apparent factor present at all. But instead of going into long endless discussion about all possible factors or causes of panic disorder it is wise to categorize them separately.        

Physiological Factors

Firstly certain physiological imbalances or deficiencies can enhance the possibility of happening panic attack anytime anywhere. According to a proven study of National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 5-HT1A, a serotonin receptor responsible for regulation emotional level is usually found missing in most of the cases of panic disorder. Moreover hypoglycemia (lower level of blood sugar), hyperthyroidism (excessive secretion of thyroxin) and several heart issues like arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and angina can also results in triggering panic attack.         

Psychological Factors

Secondly several psychological problems like anxiety disorder and seizure disorder etc can also a factor behind panic disorder. Seizure disorder which involves chronic neurological problem with repeated seizures and anxiety disorder have similar symptoms as panic attack has but the actual difference lies in the duration and severity of disorder. Panic attack is more prolonged distressing condition with more intensity as compared to these types of disorders. Agoraphobia which involves fear of open places is also considered a factor particularly in situational panic attack.               

Genetic Factors

Thirdly panic disorder also proved to run in families with specific abnormal genetic pattern transferred from one generation to another. In this way inheritance also plays vital role in determining the possibility of panic disorder occurrence. Females are more likely to inherit such abnormal genes as compared to males. This thing proves its genetic predisposition. Persons with such abnormalities in their family background are more prone to become the next victim of this painful mental ailment with no apparent factor at all.       

Abusive Factors 

Fourthly persons involved in abusive activities particularly drug abuse including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines have also more chances to suffer from panic disorder at any stage of their life.     

Stress and Negative Thinking

Fifthly negative ways of thinking and taking excessive tension or stress on minor issues could become another factor towards developing panic disorder. In some cases any unpleasant experience or tragedy like unexpected loss in personal relation or financial states can push a person in dark corner of life where no hope or happiness prevails anymore. Such dark room of life lays the basis of several physical and psychological diseases and panic disorder is one of them.