Identifying and treating patients with panic attacks

Panic disorder occurs in up to 3 percent of the population and can be socially, emotionally and occupationally disabling. A thorough clinical evaluation is crucial to exclude illnesses with similar presentations, particularly acute cardiac, gastrointestinal or neurologic disease. The noradrenergic nervous system is involved in panic attacks. These attacks are described as sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear or discomfort, usually lasting five to 30 minutes. Appropriate medications include benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Alprazolam and clonazepam are quickly effective in alleviating panic, but they cause significant symptoms upon discontinuation. The best-studied drug in the treatment of panic disorder is imipramine; like other tricyclic antidepressants, it can cause increased jitteriness early in treatment. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be particularly helpful in patients with panic disorder who exhibit social avoidance. Behavior therapy, an important component of treatment, involves the patient's confrontation of fears or phobias.