One of the greatest worry of a person who has experienced a panic attack is when the next attack will happen. The panic disorder with agoraphobia is a harrowing experience for those suffering from it that their greatest fear is the fear of the attack. And the attack will come, suddenly and without warning that will render the sufferer in a pitiable state of terror.

Panic disorder with agoraphobia is intense. What makes it worse is that while the victim will try everything that could be done to avoid it, the trauma of the experience will leave a lingering worry and preoccupation as to when the next episode will happen. And so it could be said that while the victim is suffering during the attack, he is also suffering in between attacks because of anticipation and the avoidance mechanism the victim will try to do.

For those who are not victims of the panic disorder, the manifestations of a person having an agoraphobia attack could be unreasonable. Everyone for that matter feels fear and panic once in a while but often an event or a circumstance causes these. For the agoraphobic, these are not evident and yet what they are feeling and experiencing are true.

Panic disorders with agoraphobia could be caused by several factors.

First is the genetic make up or the genes that has been inherited by a person. Studies show that 40% of panic disorders with agoraphobia is due to the individuals genetic imprints. What is significant about this is that the environment, family interrelationships and experiences that are not shared are big factors in triggering the attack. A parent for example that has agoraphobic genes relates with their children based on his perceptions and attitudes. Families where multigenerational histories of the panic disorder and depression have become important tools for the psychiatrist in determining causalities and the arrival at prognosis regarding the panic disorder.

The other 60% is caused by experiences (usually traumatic) and external pressures and stresses.

Panic disorders are often accompanied and may develop other phobias. People suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia may not know what causes it, which to the victim becomes even more worrisome. The person suffering from the panic attacks could interpret this as having a heart attack or a death threatening illness. The usual recourse is through medical diagnosis. If there has not manifested physical illness, the person has more reason to be anxious that triggers more suffering.

Today, the panic disorder is suffered by about 5% of the American population. In other countries, the rate is higher depending on the socio-cultural factors. Even then, researchers believe that the statistics reflected on persons having panic disorders with agoraphobia may not reflect actual figures since it only refers to people who have approached professional help. In spite of the suffering, many endure the disorder silently.

What is lamentable though is that for all the sufferings and fears that someone who has a panic disorder with agoraphobia endures, the disorder is very curable. The researches that were made over the last two decades made leaps in processes of treatments and cures that there were even types of treatment that are almost self administered.

The suffering that continues to haunt many people with agoraphobia is then very unnecessary.