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WHAT CAUSES PANIC DISORDER?
According to one theory of panic disorder, the body's normal "alarm system" tends to be triggered unnecessarily. Scientists don't know exactly why this happens. Panic disorder has been found to run in families, and this may mean that inheritance (genes) plays a strong role in determining who will get it. However, many people who have no family history of the disorder develop it. Often the first attacks are triggered by physical illnesses, a major life stress, or certain medications.
NIMH supports research with animals and humans to learn more about the causes of panic disorder and to find better ways of controlling it.
WHERE DO I WRITE FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
11900 Parklawn Drive
Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20852-2624
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-4242
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C-02, MSC 8030
Bethesda, MD 20892
next: Panic Disorder Quick Facts or Where to Get Help for Panic Disorder
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