"Panic-attack disorders". Clinical and biological correlates

A large group of patients suffer anxiety and phobic disorders which although are somewhat difficult to separate from other nosologic entities solely on clinical grounds, are having their borders with these disorders more keenly defined through our increased knowledge regarding various biological correlates. The main biological correlates: family history, incidence of mitral valve prolapse, response to specific pharmacological therapies, and provocation of panic attacks through the administration of I.V. sodium lactate is reviewed. Focus is placed on a current hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action of lactate infusion.