The UK's panic attack hotspots have been revealed - and it's not good news for those in Wales and the West Midlands.
Swansea topped the list as being the city where most people were likely to suffer from a panic attack, according to a new survey, which found that one in 10 people there suffer weekly panic attacks.
The Welsh coastal city was closely followed by Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Glasgow and Birmingham.
Researchers believe carbon dioxide levels are to blame.
The survey by bcalm polled 3,000 UK adults, half (52%) of whom said they'd suffered at least one panic attack in their lifetime.
The poll revealed that more than one third (35%) of panic attack sufferers said crowded offices had triggered their attacks, while one quarter (46%) of sufferers said they'd had an attack on their way to work.
Researchers said there is a strong link between carbon dioxide (Co2) levels and panic attacks - particularly as buses, trains and lifts all have elevated levels of Co2.
Things that sufferers noted could prevent panic attacks include:
- Improved airflow and ventilation in the workplace
- Adjusting the layout of the office
- Minimising loud noises
Panic disorder specialist and founder of bcalm, Dr David Sinclair, said more needs to be done to reduce carbon dioxide levels to prevent panic attacks - particularly as 27% of sufferers said they received no support for their attacks from their employer.
He said: "Medical research has shown repeatedly that when people with panic disorder breathe air with elevated carbon dioxide, panic attacks result.
"Carbon dioxide is 100 to 500% higher in planes, tubes, lifts, in meetings and and in cars, so it stands to reason that commuting and being at work can increase the chances of a panic attack.
"Two separate, double blind medical studies in two different countries, done by two different investigators have demonstrated that carbon dioxide pollution filters do help reduce panic attacks."
