A standard cup of coffee will likely not trigger a panic attack in people diagnosed with panic disorder, though it may make them more likely to avoid uncomfortable situations. A new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology shows that consuming a moderate amount of caffeine does not elevate subjective anxiety levels in susceptible individuals. The research provides practical guidance for people managing their anxiety symptoms while navigating everyday dietary habits. Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition recognized by sudden attacks of intense fear. These attacks bring a rush of physical symptoms, including a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of numbness. People diagnosed with this condition also carry persistent worry about when the next panic attack might strike. This worry often leads to maladaptive avoidance behavior. A person might stop going to the movie theater or the gym for fear that these environments will trigger a panic episode. By avoiding these places, the person misses out on rewarding experiences and loses the opportunity to learn that their physical symptoms are not …