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Panic attacks and their relation to psychological and physical functioning in Canadians: results from a nationally
D Jolene Kinley1, Brian J Cox, Ian Clara
1Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba. umkinley@cc.umanitoba.ca
Summary
Panic attacks (PAs) affect 6.4% of Canadians and are linked to significant mental health issues and reduced functioning. These findings highlight PAs as potential indicators of more severe psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- US studies indicate panic attacks (PAs) are common, linked to mental disorders, and reduced quality of life.
- PAs may signify severe psychopathology.
- Previous research often used smaller sample sizes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine past-year prevalence rates of PAs in Canadians aged 15+.
- Identify correlates of PAs using a large, population-based survey.
- Compare functioning between individuals with PAs, panic disorder (PD), and no PAs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (n=36,984).
- Applied Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for PA identification.
- Assessed past-year prevalence of PAs and compared psychological and physical functioning.
Main Results:
- Past-year prevalence of PAs was 6.4% in the Canadian population.
- Individuals with PAs reported poorer functioning across multiple domains, including mental health, disability, and self-rated health.
- Panic disorder (PD) showed more severe impairment than PAs in some areas, but not all.
Conclusions:
- Panic attacks are associated with mental health problems and diminished psychological and physical functioning.
- PAs may serve as an indicator of more severe psychopathology, even if less impairing than PD in certain aspects.
- Findings underscore the public health significance of PAs in Canada.
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