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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Theories concerning the aetiology of panic disorder fall into two groups:

  • biochemical theories:

  • there may be some abnormality in neurotransmitter function; the following compounds may cause panic attacks in patients more easily than in the general population:
    • yohimbine
    • lactate
    • imipramine

  • dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system:
    • the sympathetic nervous system is activated during an attack but there is little evidence that autonomic dysfunction is the primary problem

  • hyperventilation:
    • hyperventilation does not occur in all patients with panic attacks

  • cognitive theories:

  • patients with panic attacks have a tendency to attribute the physical symptoms of anxiety to a serious organic disease

  • there is a cognitive spiral of anxiety causing physical symptoms, a fear of serious organic disease and more anxiety

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