Biopsychosocial Model

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder which may be diagnosed from recurrent unexpected panic attacks or at least one attack followed by a period of fear about additional panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety that may not be appropriate for the amount of potential danger in a situation. They are common with up to 40 percent of the population experiencing one at some time in their life. It is when these panic attacks are recurrent, there is a long period of fear of an additional panic attack afterwards or the individual avoids doing activities that cause normal changes in the body which make them believe they will have another panic attack (such as becoming anxious to climb stairs as it causes an increase in heart rate) where panic disorder may be considered. Symptoms of panic attacks include a sense of overwhelming panic, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, sweating and trembling/shaking. Panic disorder is rare before the age of 14
Social

Biological years. The rates of panic disorder increase through adolescence and into adulthood, with the median age of onset being 20-24 years. These rates gradually decline into late adulthood.

The biopsychosocial model is used by psychologists to describe
Psychological …show more content…
Biological factors include genetics, with individuals who have a family history of anxiety or depressive disorders at an increased chance of developing panic disorder. Although there is this genetic component suggested with panic disorder, the exact genes responsible are not yet known. Some medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome are also associated with the disorder. Social/environmental factors include life stressors such as a death/illness in the family, relationship difficulties or losing a job. Psychological factors include how the individual manages stress, their coping skills and their