Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear that can be overwhelming and physically distressing. Over time, the fear of future attacks may lead to avoidance behaviours, often developing into panic disorder with agoraphobia. When combined, daily life can be deeply affected.
Rehabilitation centres offer structured therapy, medication support, and personalised care to help individuals regain control, rebuild confidence, and reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. These centres also provide relapse prevention strategies and coping tools for long-term recovery and emotional resilience.
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Causes of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder doesn’t just appear overnight—there’s often more beneath the surface than we realise. Let’s explore the causes of panic disorder in the following section:
Biological and Neurological Causes
Panic disorder may have a genetic basis, with a family history of anxiety disorders increasing the risk.
Genetics affect stress sensitivity and brain responses, while imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA can disrupt the body’s stress response, making panic attacks more frequent and intense.
Psychological and Environmental Triggers
Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, increases vulnerability to panic disorder. Long-term stress from work, family, or finances can weaken coping abilities. Major life transitions, like breakups, bereavement, or moving, act as triggers, contributing to the development of panic disorder symptoms over time.
Risk Factors for Panic Disorder: Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Certain individuals may be more prone to developing panic disorder due to a mix of genetic, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
Genetic and Biological Factors
Having a family history of panic disorder or anxiety-related conditions increases one’s risk.
Neurochemical imbalances—particularly involving serotonin and norepinephrine—can disrupt how the brain regulates stress and fear, making panic attacks more likely.
Psychological Traits and Mental Health History
Individuals with pre-existing conditions like depression, OCD, or generalised anxiety are at higher risk.
Those who are more emotionally sensitive, prone to catastrophic thinking, or who struggle to cope with stress may also be more vulnerable.
Age, Gender, and Lifestyle Factors
Panic disorder commonly begins in the late teens to early 30s.
It tends to affect women more than men, possibly due to hormonal and social factors.
Poor sleep, lack of exercise, high caffeine or stimulant intake, and chronic stress can all contribute to the development of panic disorder symptoms.

Types of Panic Disorders
Panic disorder doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can present in a few different ways, often overlapping with other anxiety-related conditions. The following are some of the types of panic disorders:
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
These episodes occur suddenly and aren’t tied to specific situations or triggers. While people with this condition may function in social or work settings, the unpredictability of the attacks can lead to ongoing worry and physical exhaustion.
However, unlike agoraphobia, there’s no consistent avoidance of places or situations.
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
In this type of panic disorder, panic attacks are coupled with a deep fear of being in situations where escape might be hard.
This fear leads people to avoid places like crowded malls, public transport, or even wide-open spaces. In severe cases, individuals may stop leaving their homes altogether.
Panic disorder with agoraphobia can severely restrict independence and daily life, requiring focused intervention and support.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is marked by persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations.
Unlike panic disorder, the anxiety is more constant than episodic. Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances are common, and in some cases, panic-like symptoms may occur alongside the chronic worry.
Social Anxiety Disorder
This condition involves an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings.
People may dread public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in front of others. Panic symptoms like sweating or trembling can be triggered in these moments, though the focus is on social scrutiny.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event, such as violence or a serious accident.
Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and being constantly on edge. Panic-like episodes may happen when the person is reminded of the trauma, even in everyday situations.
Specific Phobias
These are intense fears linked to particular objects or scenarios, like flying, spiders, or heights.
The fear is immediate and overwhelming, often triggering panic responses when faced with the feared item or situation. Unlike panic disorder, the attacks are predictable and tied to a specific trigger.
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When to Seek Professional Help for Panic Disorder
If you’re experiencing frequent panic attacks, avoiding everyday activities, or turning to alcohol or drugs to cope—these are red flags.
Professionals can help in panic disorder prevention by reducing the worsening of symptoms, reducing distress, and improving overall functioning. Early intervention, including support from rehabilitation centres, can significantly boost recovery outcomes.
Get Expert Support for Panic Disorder at Cadabam's Today
Struggling with panic attacks or constant anxiety can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it by yourself.
At Cadabam’s, we offer comprehensive, personalised treatment for panic disorder through evidence-based therapies, medical management, and rehab support when needed. Our expert team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and care professionals who walk with you every step of the way.
Reach out today to begin your journey towards calm, control, and lasting recovery.
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their Panic Disorder. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.
Panic Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Process?
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How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed?
Panic disorder diagnosis is based on a thorough psychological evaluation, including clinical interviews and symptom history.
Diagnostic Criteria
According to the DSM-5, a panic disorder diagnosis requires:
- Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
- At least one month of concern about future attacks or behavioural changes due to them
Doctors also rule out other causes like thyroid problems, heart conditions, or substance use, which can mimic panic disorder symptoms.
Psychiatric Evaluation and Screening Tools
Mental health professionals may use structured interviews and assessment tools to confirm panic disorder diagnosis.
The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) is one such tool that measures how much the disorder impacts daily life.
These evaluations help create a tailored panic disorder treatment plan.
Panic Disorder Treatment Options
Panic disorder treatment often includes a mix of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Psychological Therapies
Therapy plays a key role in managing panic disorder, offering structured techniques to reduce symptoms and improve emotional regulation.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – Helps identify and challenge thought patterns that fuel panic attacks.
- Exposure Therapy and Desensitisation – Gradually introduces feared situations to reduce avoidance behaviours.
- ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) – Encourages accepting panic disorder symptoms without judgment while committing to valued actions.
- PFPP (Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy) – Explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences linked to panic episodes.
Medications
Medications can reduce panic disorder symptoms by regulating brain chemistry and easing both physical and emotional distress.
- SSRIs and SNRIs – Common first-line antidepressants that help balance brain chemicals involved in anxiety.
- Benzodiazepines – Fast-acting anti-anxiety medication used short-term due to the risk of dependence.
- Beta-blockers – Help manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat during panic attacks.
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Why Cadabam's?
Cadabam’s is one of the best centres for panic disorder treatment. With our three decades of experience, our multispecialty team can provide you or your loved one with the best possible care for panic disorder. Our holistic treatment plans, along with our wide range of mental health services, make us a world-class facility that meets all your needs. Our treatments range from individual counselling, group therapies, caregiver support, family therapy, and crisis intervention, as well as a variety of psychosocial interventions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rehabilitation options include psychotherapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and structured day programmes. Centres may also offer relaxation training, support groups, and skill-building to help individuals manage triggers and regain confidence in daily life.
The ICD-10 code for panic disorder is F41.0. It’s classified under anxiety disorders and includes repeated panic attacks not linked to specific situations or stimuli.
No. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear. Panic disorder involves repeated attacks and ongoing worry about having more, often disrupting daily life. Not everyone who has panic attacks has panic disorder
Yes, with proper panic disorder treatment and coping strategies, individuals with panic disorder can lead fulfilling, normal lives. Therapy, medication, and support can help manage panic disorder symptoms and reduce the impact on daily activities and relationships
Panic disorder can be effectively managed with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. While it may not always be “cured,” many people recover fully or experience long-term relief with the right panic disorder treatment and support.
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