aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
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