ns victimized by childhood sexual abuse and found there was a significantly higher risk for those individuals to suffer from panic disorder. This study was in comparison to persons who had no history of childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, individuals who suffer from mitral valve prolapse, which is a condition that causes the mitral valve to not close properly preventing steady blood flow from the heart to the lungs, also have a higher incidence of panic disorder.Researchers are also continuing to make progress in discovering more about the causes, diagnosis and new treatments. A study through the United States Air Force Academy suggests that a test that measures anxiety sensitivity may help predict who will develop panic attacks. A simple questionnaire was given to 1,172 recruits who noted how strongly they agreed with questions such as, "It scares me when my heart beats rapidly." The higher the score, the more likely the cadet was to experience a panic attack during their training. Another theory being studied is the suffocation alarm theory. According to this theory, a monitor called the carotid body, located in the neck, measures the blood levels of both carbon dioxide and oxygen and warns the individual when suffocation is eminent. One of the primary physiologic indicators of suffocation is an increased level of blood carbon dioxide. People with panic disorder may be especially sensitive to even a small rise in carbon dioxide and this monitor can send a false alarm to the brain.Panic disorder, like most mental abnormalities, has unfortunately been associated with stigma and shame. Doctors, in the past, have failed to realize this is a serious condition affecting many persons throughout the United States and were likely to treat these individuals with complete disregard for their suffering. There is hope, however, and now most of us understand that persons who suffer from panic disorder are no more responsible for their s...
