About Panic Disorder: Causes of Panic Disorder

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Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Katharina Star, Ph.D., your Guide to Panic Disorder There are many theories about the cause of panic disorder. However, the exact causes of anxiety disorders remain unknown. Most mental health specialists share the perspective that panic disorder is a complex condition that is influenced by multiple factors. What Causes Panic Disorder? The most common theories about the causes of panic disorder examine the influence that biological, environmental, or genetic factors may have on panic and anxiety. Research currently focuses on how a combination these factors may impact the development of panic disorder. Here you will find more information on the popular perspectives on the causes of panic disorder. Fight-or-Flight Theory The flight-or-fight response is a term used to describe how humans naturally react when faced with stress. When dealing with danger, a person typically responds by trying to fight off or flee from the threat. For people with panic disorder, this reaction may be easily triggered, leading to increased anxiety. Learn more about the fight-or-flight response and how it may contribute to the symptoms of panic disorder. Do Your Thoughts Cause Panic Disorder? Can your fearful thoughts be leading to your experience with panic disorder? According to cognitive theories of mental health disorders, habitual negative and fear-based thinking can promote increased anxiety and panic symptoms. Find out more about common negative thoughts experienced by people with panic disorder and ways to overcome these faulty ways of thinking. Panic Disorder Risk Factors Studies have found that certain factors, such as age and gender, may increase the risk of having panic disorder. These influences are not considered causes of panic disorder. Rather, these risk factors describe specific characteristics that are commonly associated with developing this condition. Learn more about the most frequently observed risk factors in the development of panic disorder. Related Searches What Causes Anxiety Stress and Anxiety Social Anxiety Help for Anxiety Anxiety Depression Featured Articles Related and Co-Occurring Conditions For Family and Friends Glossary Understanding Panic Disorder Symptoms Causes   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Katharina Star, Ph.D. Panic Disorder Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Panic Disorder newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com   Must Reads What is Panic Disorder? Symptoms of Panic Disorder Diagnosis of Panic Disorder Treatment of Panic Disorder Info for Family/Friends   Follow me on: Advertisement