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Panic and panic disorder in the United States
W W Eaton1, R C Kessler, H U Wittchen
1National Comorbidity Survey, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Approximately 1% of U.S. adults experienced panic disorder in the past month, with panic attacks and disorder affecting women and those with less education. These conditions can occur independently of agoraphobia.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric epidemiology
- Mental health research
- Diagnostic criteria assessment
Background:
- The National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) is a pivotal study in U.S. psychiatric epidemiology.
- This research utilized the first application of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria in a national survey.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of panic disorder is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of panic disorder according to DSM-III-R criteria within the U.S. population.
- To identify and describe the sociodemographic correlates associated with panic disorder.
- To explore the co-occurrence of panic attacks, panic disorder, and agoraphobia.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a nationally representative survey of 8,098 U.S. residents aged 15-54 years.
- Employed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for standardized diagnostic assessments.
- Analyzed lifetime and past-month prevalence data for panic attacks and panic disorder.
Main Results:
- Lifetime prevalence of panic attacks was 15%; 3% reported a panic attack in the past month.
- Approximately 1% of respondents met DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder in the past month.
- Panic disorder exhibited a bimodal age distribution and was linked to female sex and lower educational attainment; 50% of those with panic disorder did not report agoraphobia.
Conclusions:
- The diagnostic threshold for panic disorder may not be clearly defined.
- Panic disorder and agoraphobia are frequently comorbid but can also manifest independently.
- Findings highlight the distinct yet overlapping nature of panic-related conditions.