Risk factors for panic disorder
What factors predispose you to develop panic disorder?
Factors that Predispose to Panic Disorder
The following is a summary of the predisposing and precipitating risk factors for panic disorder.
Risk factors for Panic Disorder
Genetic Risk factors
A family history of panic disorder elevates the risk by around four times in first-degree relatives.
Physiological Risk factors
Amygdala and related structures, female gender, and asthma.
Neurotransmitter abnormalities
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, and norepinephrine impairments.
Temperamental Risk Factors
Neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity, learning through modeling, and feeling out of control.
Other Risk Factors
Smoking, physical, and sexual abuse in childhood, major life events
Risk factors for panic disorder | ||
|---|---|---|
Genetics and Physiological |
Temperamental | Other |
|
Amygdala and related structures Female Gender Asthma Family History |
Neuroticism Anxiety sensitivity |
Smoking Physical and sexual abuse in childhood Major life events |
Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 | ||
References
- Harrison P, Cowen P, Burns T, Fazel M. Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry. 7th ed. Oxford University Press; 2017:896-896
- American Psychiatric A. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
- Den Boer JA, Westenberg HG. Serotonin function in panic disorder: a double blind placebo controlled study with fluvoxamine and ritanserin. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1990;102
-
Deckersbach T, Moshier SJ, Tuschen-Caffier B, Otto MW. Memory dysfunction in panic disorder: an investigation of the role of chronic benzodiazepine use. Depress Anxiety. 2011;28
