What Are The Causes Of Panic Attacks?

February 21, 202602/21/2026

A panic attack can happen when a person has high levels of anxiety. Sometimes, these attacks are a symptom of panic disorder. Depending on the frequency and fear of panic attacks, a doctor may diagnose panic disorder.

During a panic attack, a person may experience overwhelming emotions, including helplessness and fear. Physical symptoms can include a fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweating, and shaking.

Panic attacks often happen in specific situations that trigger heightened stress. But some people experience them repeatedly, with no clear triggers. In this case, the person may have panic disorder.

A doctor will use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose panic disorder.

Around 1 in 75 people have panic disorder, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). It can severely affect the quality of life.

However, panic attacks and panic disorder are both mental health issues that treatments can help manage.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

A panic attack may be an isolated issue or a reoccurring symptom of panic disorder. Regardless, an attack can be frightening, upsetting, and uncomfortable. The feelings are more intense than those of stress that people usually experience.

Panic attacks typically last 5–20 minutes, but the symptoms can linger for up to 1 hour.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, a panic attack involves at least four of the following symptoms:

Chest pain and discomfort
Chills or feeling hot
Dizziness and lightheadedness
A fear of losing control or “going crazy”
Heart palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, or a rapid heart rate
Numbness or tingling
Shaking, sweating, or trembling
Trouble breathing, which may feel like choking
Feeling detached from reality
Nausea and an upset stomach

People with panic attacks sometimes develop agoraphobia, which involves a fear of situations where help or an escape may be difficult to access.

Causes and Risk Factors

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but if anxiety levels become too high, this can lead to panic.

When the brain receives warnings of danger, it alerts the adrenal gland to release adrenaline, which is sometimes called epinephrine or the “fight or flight” hormone. A rush of adrenaline can quicken the heartbeat and raise blood pressure and the rate of breathing. These are all characteristics of a panic attack.

A number of issues can increase the likelihood of having panic attacks and panic disorder. These include:

Genetic factors: Genetic and biological factors may increase the likelihood of having panic disorder, though scientists have yet to identify a link with any specific gene or chemical.
Major stress or life changes: The disorder may develop when a person with certain genetic features faces environmental stresses. These include major life changes, such as having a first baby or leaving home.
Trauma: A history of physical or sexual abuse may also increase the risk.
Substances: Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, and sugary foods and drinks.
Fear of recurrence: Panic disorder may develop when a person who has experienced several panic attacks becomes afraid of having another one. This fear can cause them to withdraw from friends and family and refrain from going outside or visiting places where a panic attack may occur.

Also, panic attacks can be a symptom of other conditions, such as:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Medical Conditions That Mimic or Trigger Panic Attacks

The symptoms of a panic attack can resemble those of other medical conditions, including:

Heart conditions: Sometimes, a person having a panic attack seeks emergency medical care because they feel as if they are having a heart attack.
Lung disorders: Such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Thyroid problems: Particularly hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Epilepsy: Especially certain types of seizures that can cause panic-like symptoms.
Autism: Individuals on the autism spectrum may experience higher rates of anxiety and panic attacks, often triggered by sensory overload or changes in routine.

Because these symptoms overlap with physical health emergencies, it is vital that first responders and medical personnel have immediate access to your medical history.

The Importance of Safety and Life ID

When a panic attack strikes, it can be difficult—or even impossible—to communicate clearly. The feeling of helplessness is compounded by the physical symptoms, and in some cases, bystanders or emergency responders may mistake a panic attack for a heart attack, stroke, or seizure.

This is where a Life ID becomes an essential tool for safety and peace of mind.

Why You Need a Life ID for Panic Disorder

A Life ID (such as a medical ID bracelet, necklace, or a digital profile on a smartphone) provides critical information to first responders when you cannot speak for yourself.

Prevents Misdiagnosis in Emergencies: If someone finds you struggling to breathe, clutching your chest, or disoriented, they may call 911. Paramedics need to know if you have a history of panic attacks versus a history of heart conditions. A Life ID that states “Panic Disorder” or “Anxiety” helps them assess the situation faster and rule out other life-threatening causes.
Lists Medications and Allergies: If you are unconscious or unable to speak, a Life ID can alert medical staff to any medications you are taking for anxiety or depression, as well as any drug allergies, preventing dangerous drug interactions during emergency treatment.
Provides Emergency Contacts: A Life ID allows first responders to contact your family, doctor, or therapist immediately, ensuring you get the right follow-up care.
Reduces Anxiety: Simply wearing a medical ID can reduce the fear associated with having an attack in public. It acts as a safety net, allowing you to feel more secure knowing that if something happens, the people helping you will understand your condition.

How to Use It

Wearable ID: Engrave “Panic Disorder,” “Anxiety,” or “PTSD” on the back of a medical ID bracelet or necklace, along with any emergency contact numbers.
Digital ID: Use the Medical ID feature on your smartphone (available on both iPhone Health and Android apps) that can be accessed from the lock screen. Include your conditions, medications, and emergency contacts.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Using the guidelines in the DSM-5, a doctor may diagnose panic disorder if the person has:

Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
Had an ongoing fear of having a panic attack for at least 1 month
Significantly changed their behavior due to this fear
No other condition, such as social phobia, and no use of medications or drugs that could account for the symptoms

The most common treatments for panic disorder are medications and psychotherapy.

According to the APA, many people feel better when they understand what panic disorder is—and how common it is.

A person may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It can help them identify triggers and new ways of facing difficult situations.

Another option is interoceptive exposure, which teaches a person to grow accustomed to the symptoms of a panic attack in a safe environment. The aim is to reduce the fear of an attack and to break the symptoms down into manageable stages. Meanwhile, relaxation techniques such as slow breathing and visualization can also help.

For some people, a doctor may also prescribe one or more of the following medications:

Benzodiazepines: (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin) – Fast-acting but risk of dependence.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): (e.g., Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft)
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): (e.g., Effexor XR)
Beta-blockers: These can regulate the heartbeat.

Note: In 2020, the FDA strengthened their warning about benzodiazepines. Using these drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal can be life-threatening. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions when using these drugs.

Coping and Relief

When a panic attack starts:

Try not to fight it.
Stay where you are.
Practice slow, deep breathing.
Try to visualize positive images.
Remember that it will soon pass and that it is not life threatening.

To reduce the risk of further attacks:

Learn about panic attacks and talk to others about the experience.
Wear a Life ID to ensure your safety in public.
Avoid substances that can contribute to the issue, including caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, and sugary foods and drinks.
Get regular sleep and exercise to reduce stress.
Practice yoga, deep breathing, positive visualization, and other techniques for relaxation.

Crisis Resources

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

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