Panic attacks are caused by heightened anixiety. Basically all of us have anixiety its a natural state of mind pumping extra adrenaline into a body to prepare it for either flight or fight. Its what kept human beings alive for millions of years, a sense of approaching danger if you will. When anixiety is caused without a reason or approaching danger it becomes a disorder. It's not a disease, but rather an emotional state of mind which is generating 'what if..' thoughts one after another, overanalyzing and picturing the worst possible case scenario. What if I loose my mind? What if I won't be able to breathe? What if I fall unconcious? Panic attacks are the next step after anixiety, but can be prevented. Many people experience anixiety on different levels, but not many have panic attacks. If you take control of your anixiety you can prevent panic attacks. There are many self help books available with techniques to take over control of your thoughts when you experience heightened anixiety for those who interested. I had heightened anixiety after drug use and started having regular panic attacks, I couldn't even leave my house without having xanax on me because I was afraid to have one in public. I tried some meds, but nothing helped me as much as knowledge that I got from books. You can actually use anixiety to your advantage and turn negative energy into positive. Just takes practice