Panic disorder: clinical features, neurobiology, and pharmacotherapy

Anxiety disorders are common, debilitating illnesses. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder with a characteristic clinical presentation. A growing body of neuroanatomical and neurochemical data is beginning to elucidate its pathophysiology. There are currently three types of effective pharmacotherapies for panic disorder: tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and highpotency benzodiazepines. The choice of a pharmacologic approach may be guided by considerations of potential side effects and other clinical/pharmacologic concerns.