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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's hard to pinpoint how many people have panic attacks or panic disorder because of diagnostic issues, but it's estimated that 2 million to 6 million Americans have panic disorder. Symptoms of panic disorder often start either in late adolescence or in your 30s. More women than men are diagnosed with panic disorder. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
- A family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
- Significant stress
- The death or serious illness of a loved one
- Big changes in your life, such as the addition of a baby
- A history of childhood physical or sexual abuse
- Undergoing a traumatic event, such as an accident or rape
