Panic Attack Gene Research?Marching Ahead

Prevention is better than cure So we would always to prevent the disease rather than looking for its cure

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.



The research saw the scientists studying the families with a history of panic disorders, agoraphobia and social phobia. The results indicated that 90% of the affected family members carried a genetic abnormality whereas the same mutation named the DUP25 was found to be present in most of the unrelated cases that have been tested. This gene mutation however was rare or was not found in those who had no anxiety problems whatsoever.



In Barcelona, the mutation occurs contains more than 60 genes, or which only 23 have so far been identified. Scientists however do know that some of these genes manufacture proteins that play a crucial role in controlling the way the cells of the nervous system communicate with each other. One theory highlighted by this group of scientists is that the gene mutation causes an imbalance in the production of these proteins resulting in the brain reacting over-sensitively to 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.



The basic cure for panic attacks can be traced to suppress either the genes or the protein products. Genetic mutation for DUP25 is different for every individual, as not all the cells mutate. Dr Raymond Crow, a psychiatrist at the University of Iowa is involved with the studies concerning genetic 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 and hereditary factors together contribute to the panic disorders. An expert in panic disorders and a clinical psychologist based at Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust, Professor Roger Baker told BBC News Online that it was likely that panic attacks were caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. Those who experienced a relative with panic disorders were more prone to develop the similar disorder than the population at large he said. People with a family history, or with some of the relatives suffering from panic disorders, are likely to be affected from this disease. It is estimated that between half and three-fourth of the people who wanted to be treated for panic attacks, did not have any parental history of the same. Also, 8% of the panic attacks are caused by the misuse of drugs and stressful lifestyle.



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.

Beth Kaminski is the leading expert in the field of treatment for anxiety attacks and cure for anxiety disorders. For more information on tips to stop these attacks as well as how to prevent panic attacks, visit her site today.