Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe “Chemical Imbalance” TheoryOther TheoriesA Combination of InfluencesTreatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The “Chemical Imbalance” Theory
Other Theories
A Combination of Influences
Treatments
Close
The following describes the chemical imbalance theory and other factors that may influence the development of panic disorder.
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According to chemical imbalance theories, panic disorder symptoms are related to imbalances in the naturally occurring chemical messengers in the brain known asneurotransmitters. These help communicate information between nerve cells brain throughout the brain.
The human brain is thought to have hundreds of these different types of neurotransmitters, and chemical imbalance theories suggest that a person can become more susceptible to developingpanic disorder symptomsif one or more of these neurotransmitters do not remain balanced.
The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are specifically believed to be linked to mood andanxiety disorders. These neurotransmitters are in charge of regulating various bodily and mental functions.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is largely associated with mood, sleep, appetite, and other regulatory functions in the body. Experts have also found that reduced levels of serotonin are connected todepressionand anxiety.
The neurotransmitterdopaminemay also contribute to symptoms. Dopamine influences, among other functions, a person’s energy levels, attention, rewards, and movement.
Norepinephrineis also related to anxiety as it released in thefight-or-flight response, or they physiological response tostress. Last,GABAplays a role in balancing excitement or agitation and inducing feelings of calm and relaxation through its inhibitory effect.
The Chemistry of Depression
Other theories about the causes of panic disorder look at the possibility of genetic or environmental influences. Genetic theories are based on the solid evidence of the familial link of panic disorder.
Six controlled studies show a 5.7% to 17.3% increased risk of PD when a relative who also suffers from this condition.
Other theories look at environmental factors, such as one’s upbringing or current life stressors, as key influencers in the development of panic disorder.
Panic Disorder Definition, Causes, and Treatment
Currently, most professionals who treat panic disorder rely on a multidimensional theory to understand the causes of panic andanxiety symptoms. This theory is based on the notion that a combination of factors leads to the development of panic disorder, meaning that a chemical imbalance may be partly to blame.
Other influences, such as genetics and environmental factors, also likely play a role in a person’s experience with panic disorder.
A CBT Therapy Session.Image © David Buffington / Getty Images
If you are consideringtreatment options, your doctor or therapist may follow a treatment approach that addresses multidimensional factors. Early detection and diagnosis will be important in getting you on the right treatment plan for your particular needs.
The most common treatment options for panic disorder includemedication, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies.
The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
A Word From Verywell
Your doctor or therapist will most likely recommend a combination of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms. Although the exact cause of panic disorder is still unknown, these treatments have shown success in helping people with their panic disorder symptoms.
5 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Martin EI, Ressler KJ, Binder E, Nemeroff CB. The neurobiology of anxiety disorders: brain imaging, genetics, and psychoneuroendocrinology.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):549-75. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.05.004Dayan P, Huys QJ.Serotonin, inhibition, and negative mood.PLoS Comput Biol. 2008;4(2):e4. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.0040004Klein MO, Battagello DS, Cardoso AR, Hauser DN, Bittencourt JC, Correa RG.Dopamine: Functions, Signaling, and Association with Neurological Diseases.Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2019;39(1):31-59. doi:10.1007/s10571-018-0632-3Na HR, Kang EH, Lee JH, Yu BH.The genetic basis of panic disorder.J Korean Med Sci. 2011;26(6):701-10. doi:10.3346/jkms.2011.26.6.701Bouton ME, Mineka S, Barlow DH.A modern learning theory perspective on the etiology of panic disorder.Psychol Rev. 2001;108(1):4-32. doi:10.1037/0033-295X.108.1.4
Martin EI, Ressler KJ, Binder E, Nemeroff CB. The neurobiology of anxiety disorders: brain imaging, genetics, and psychoneuroendocrinology.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32(3):549-75. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.05.004
Dayan P, Huys QJ.Serotonin, inhibition, and negative mood.PLoS Comput Biol. 2008;4(2):e4. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.0040004
Klein MO, Battagello DS, Cardoso AR, Hauser DN, Bittencourt JC, Correa RG.Dopamine: Functions, Signaling, and Association with Neurological Diseases.Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2019;39(1):31-59. doi:10.1007/s10571-018-0632-3
Na HR, Kang EH, Lee JH, Yu BH.The genetic basis of panic disorder.J Korean Med Sci. 2011;26(6):701-10. doi:10.3346/jkms.2011.26.6.701
Bouton ME, Mineka S, Barlow DH.A modern learning theory perspective on the etiology of panic disorder.Psychol Rev. 2001;108(1):4-32. doi:10.1037/0033-295X.108.1.4
Bourne, E. J. (2011).The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. 5th ed. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
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