The assessment and management of panic disorder

Panic disorder affects approximately 1.5 percent of the general population in the United States, and individuals with this disorder are seen frequently in primary care settings. Recognition of panic disorder is complicated by the fact that patients tend to focus exclusively on the physical symptoms of the illness. Left untreated, patients with panic disorder suffer considerable impairment in functioning and are at increased risk for substance abuse, depression and suicide. This article provides clinicians with the information necessary to recognize and manage this illness. A detailed description of the disorder, including onset, course, complications, differential diagnosis and management, is presented in this article.