Here are the latest widely cited figures on panic attacks and panic disorder, based on trusted sources circulating in 2026.
Global perspective: About 13% of adults report experiencing at least one panic attack in their lifetime, and roughly 3.5% meet criteria for panic disorder, according to recent WHO-related summaries and reviews cited in 2026 health reports. This reflects international variation and the persistent underdiagnosis of panic-related conditions.[1][2]
United States specifics: Twelve-month prevalence of panic disorder among US adults is around 2.7%, with lifetime panic attack exposure higher (and panic attacks can occur without meeting full disorder criteria). Women are disproportionately affected compared with men. These figures come from large epidemiological surveys and national health data compilations updated around 2026.[2][3]
Treatment effectiveness: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) remains one of the most effective treatments, achieving meaningful reduction in panic attacks for about 60–70% of individuals, with a subset reaching full remission within roughly 12 weeks in clinical studies.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most up-to-date, source-verified summaries for your location (Piscataway, NJ) and provide a brief, citable snapshot. I can also include guidance on current local resources or how to assess risk factors for panic attacks.
Discover if panic attacks are common and learn about their frequency in different populations. Explore factors influencing panic attack occurrence and find statistics on panic disorder prevalence.
www.ourmental.healthPanic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These episodes occur “out of the blue,” not in conjunction with a known fear or stressor.
www.nimh.nih.govOnly limited information exists about the epidemiology of DSM-IV panic attacks and panic disorder. To present nationally representative data on the epidemiology of panic attacks and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia based on the National ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPanic attacks are surprisingly common but remain underdiagnosed and inadequately treated globally.
zipdo.coWondering how many people experience panic attacks? Find out the facts—and explore how therapy can help you heal and reclaim your life.
www.drlassen.comPanic disorder varies widely across the globe and is linked to many serious health risks.
zipdo.coIn honour of World Mental Health day, one writer looks into the causes of anxiety and the increasing number of women suffering from panic attacks...
www.marieclaire.co.ukPanic disorder affects 4.7% of US adults over a lifetime, and women are twice as likely to be hit as men, yet many experience it as clusters of sudden attacks paired with fear that something terrible is happening. This page pulls together the newest cross country and subgroup patterns, from adolescent onset and peak ages to comorbid risks like agoraphobia and depression, so you can see who is most affected and why.
gitnux.orgComprehensive panic disorder statistics for 2026 including prevalence rates, treatment data, and demographic breakdowns across the United States.
mhstats.orgContext Only limited information exists about the epidemiology of DSM-IV panic attacks (PAs) and panic disorder (PD).Objective To present nationally representative data about the epidemiology of PAs and PD with or without agoraphobia (AG) on the basis of the US National Comorbidity...
jamanetwork.com