Panic disorder and coping

This article presents prevalence estimates of panic disorder in the household population aged 15 or older Associations between panic disorder and measures of physical and mental health, work status and coping behaviour are examined.

Data are from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being.

2002 prevalence rates are presented for people with a history of panic disorder. Characteristics associated with current and past panic disorder are examined. Multiple logistic regression models are used to examine work status and coping behaviour, and chronic physical and other mental health problems.

In 2002, an estimated 1.5% of the population had current panic disorder, and 2.1%, a past history. Average age of onset was 25. People with current panic disorder were less likely to work and more likely to be permanently unable to work, compared with those who had never had the condition. Negative coping behaviours, including alcohol or drug use and smoking, were more common among those with panic disorder.