Panic disorder theories.

Popular theories and hypotheses concerning the development of this disorder include: Catecholamine theory — based on the fact that panic attacks are associated with increased levels of catecholamines, namely adrenaline. It acts as a stimulant that causes vasoconstriction, rapid heart rate, and stimulation of the nervous system. Genetic hypothesis — people whose relatives had experienced panic attacks had a 10% risk of developing the disorder compared to 2.1% among people in the control group. Psychoanalytic theory — based on the assumption that anxiety and panic attacks are caused by a person's conflict with her/himself, with their needs. Behavioral theory — assumes that panic attacks are initially caused by external causes. For example, a fast heartbeat is provoked by the particular life-threatening situation. Subsequently, the reaction gets remembered and occurs even if there's no any threat.