Health Information
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
What Increases Your Risk
Your risk for panic attacks and panic disorder may be higher if you:
- Have a family history of panic disorder. You are also at increased risk if you have a parent with either depression or bipolar disorder.
- Have Reference 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. This is a heart condition in which one of the valves in the heart doesn't close as it should.
- Have had previous, unexpected panic attacks.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference September 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
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