2025, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A

Author(s)
Haniya Aweis Abdi

Abstract
Panic disorder is a debilitating anxiety condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about their recurrence. Accumulating evidence highlights early childhood trauma (ECT) as a significant risk factor for various mental health disorders in adulthood, including panic disorder. This longitudinal study explores the correlation between ECT and the development of panic disorder across adulthood using data from a 20-year cohort study. Drawing from trauma exposure data in childhood and structured psychiatric assessments in adulthood, this analysis investigates how specific trauma types, age of exposure, and co-occurring variables like socioeconomic status and parental psychopathology affect long-term anxiety trajectories. Our findings reveal a robust and statistically significant association between early trauma—especially emotional abuse and neglect—and increased risk of panic disorder onset in early adulthood. These findings underscore the critical role of early intervention and trauma-informed mental health strategies in mitigating long-term anxiety disorders.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/27891623.2025.v5.i1a.67

Pages: 24-27 | Views: 54 | Downloads: 23