From the substantial studies we reviewed, the findings suggest that individuals with panic disorder have an enduring tendency to interpret physical sensations in their body as an immediate impending disaster.

Individuals may then use specific behaviours to stop this potential disaster from happening which prevents disconfirmation of their interpretations and can maintain panic attacks.

The studies we reviewed found that within treatment, identifying these interpretations and behaviours and using CBT to disconfirm them is highly successful in the treatment of panic disorder.

You can also read the paper here.