What Increases Your Risk

The risk of having panic attacks and developing panic disorder may be higher if you:

• Have a family history of panic disorder. You are 8 times more likely to develop panic disorder if a family member has been diagnosed with it.¹ You are also at increased risk if you have a parent with either depression or bipolar disorder.^{4, 5}
• Have 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, a heart condition in which one of the valves in the heart does not close as it should.
• Have had previous, unexpected panic attacks.
• Have experienced an episode of major depression.
• Are a woman who has recently gone through menopause.⁹