Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

Panic in the emergency room

Patrick Lynch1, Kim M Galbraith

  • 1Department of Psychology, Foothills Medical Centre, Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. patrick.lynch@calgaryhealthregion.ca

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|August 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Undiagnosed panic disorder (PD) in emergency rooms leads to significant costs. Improving PD recognition in ERs can reduce healthcare expenses and prevent long-term disability and fatal events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Panic disorder (PD) is a significant contributor to healthcare costs within the general medical system.
  • Undiagnosed PD often leads patients to seek care for somatic symptoms in non-psychiatric settings.
  • Emergency departments (ERs) frequently miss PD diagnoses in patients presenting with chest pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and panic disorder (PD).
  • To discuss the implications of this relationship for the general medical system.
  • To propose assessment and intervention strategies for emergency departments.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Databases searched included Medline and PsycINFO.
  • The review focused on studies investigating CAD and PD.

Main Results:

  • Panic disorder is the most expensive psychiatric condition for the nonpsychiatric medical system.
  • A primary driver of cost is the high rate of undiagnosed PD in general medical settings.
  • Approximately 98% of PD patients with chest pain in ERs remain undiagnosed.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced recognition of PD in ERs offers substantial potential for cost savings in general medical care.
  • Effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for PD are available.
  • Accurate diagnosis and treatment of PD can mitigate long-term disability and reduce the risk of fatal coronary events.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis06:05

Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Published on: January 27, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Panic Disorder01:27

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.