Panic Attack Gene Research...Marching Ahead

By: Beth Kaminski Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Prevention is better than cure. So we would always to prevent the disease rather than looking for its cure. But if we already have a disease, then we should look for the cure as soon as possible. the reason behind the panic attacks is found to be a genetic mutation and troubles 400 million people in the US alone. Although in a nebulous stage, still a breakthrough can be achieved for cure for panic disorders.
Earlier when there were completely no scope of curing a panic disorder, it was estimated that one in ten people is an anxiety disorder patient. This discovery was made by a team from the Center of Medical and Molecular Biology in Barcelona and was reported in the New Scientist Magazine.
Scientists, while in that research, were studying the families with a history of panic disorders, agoraphobia and social phobia. It was seen that 90% of the affected families had a genetic mutation by the name of DUP25.
Mutation, in Barcelona, contains more than 60 genes out of which only 23 are known to us. Scientists know the fact that a type of protein is manufactured by these genes which controls the communication of the cells in the nervous system. The mutation in the genes disturbs the balance of the protein resulting into an over-reaction of the brain in stressful situations.
An interesting fact that the scientists have come up with shows that not all people with DUP25 mutation suffer from anxiety disorders. The DUP25 mutation tends to change from generation to generation. According to Dr Monica Gratacos, a researcher said: "The environment is also very important. In the affected families, for instance, 20% of people with DUP25 had no anxiety illness at all." the tram is presently working upon the genes on DUP25 that exactly causes anxiety disorders and what anxiety attack medication can cure them.
If this is found, the gateway of finding a cure for panic disorders is possible to at least suppress either the genes or their protein products. However, the research and development could take ten years. Genetic mutation for the DUP25 varies within individuals so not all cells will mutate and cause anxiety attacks. Dr Raymond Crow, a psychiatrist at the University of Iowa who is involved in the studies concerning the genetics of panic disorder, told New Scientist magazine that the discovery in anxiety attacks was a "very important finding" adding that "It looks like they have found an entirely new mechanism of disease."
Environmental factors and hereditary both are responsible for panic attacks. Panic attacks are caused by the mixture of genetic and environmental factors, this is what an expert in panic disorders and a clinical psychologist based at Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust, Professor Roger Baker told BBC News Online. A person with a relative suffering with panic disorder, is more likely to suffer from the same. However, between half and three-fourth of the panic disorder patients did not have any parental history of the disorders. Misuse of drugs and stressful lifestyle contribute to 8% of the panic attacks.
According to Professor Baker, this is not a simple matter and that it is probably a balance of different factors that cause anxiety attacks. "It may well be that some people have a general susceptibility to panic attacks, but they would probably need some sort of stressful event to set it off." A combination of anxiety disorder help and anti depressants, relaxation techniques and self help methods have proved to be beneficial in the treatment of panic attack disorders.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Beth Kaminski is the leading expert in the field of treatment for anxiety attacks and cure panic attack cures. For more information on tips to stop these attacks as well as how to deal with panic attacks, visit her site today.