Hey Isabella, I've had Panic Attacks for well over 35 years (that I can remember), but my mom says I was a very nervous child to begin with. I do not recall any traumatic events that caused me to begin having panic attacks. I honestly believe that mine are hereditary. Panic disorder runs in my family, I just seem to have the worst case. I have talked with people though, that did start having attacks after a traumatic event. So I guess it can happen either way?