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Alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and panic disorder
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
The American Journal of Medicine
|January 24, 1992
Summary
This review explores the significant overlap between panic disorder and substance abuse, noting that panic can trigger substance use and vice versa. Biological factors like the GABA-benzodiazepine system may link these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Panic disorder and substance abuse frequently co-occur.
- Understanding this comorbidity is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the interaction between alcohol/substance abuse and panic disorder.
- To examine comorbidity, causal links, biological relationships, and treatment strategies for dual diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on panic disorder and substance abuse.
- Analysis of comorbidity data and proposed etiological pathways.
Main Results:
- Significant comorbidity exists between panic disorder and alcoholism/drug abuse (cocaine, sedatives).
- Panic can precipitate substance use, and substance use/withdrawal can induce panic.
- Potential biological links involve the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex and noradrenergic systems.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder and substance abuse share significant overlap and potential biological underpinnings.
- Guidelines for recognizing and managing dual-diagnosis patients, including antipanic medication, are proposed.