Cognitive‒behavioural model of panic disorder

An external trigger (e.g., environmental) or internal trigger (e.g., body sensation, thought or image) can act as a stimulus to provoke a panic attack. If a stimulus is perceived to be a threat, anxiety-produced body sensations can be interpreted in a catastrophic fashion, further increasing apprehension. This fuels a vicious cycle that can provoke panic attacks.

CBT=cognitive–behavioural therapy