Dental management of the adolescent with panic disorder

Panic disorder is a psychiatric disease without obvious cause. It is accompanied by signs of terror, such as chest pain, palpitation, and shortness of breath. One of every 75 Americans is afflicted. Onset occurs most commonly during adolescence. Some infants and children exhibit anxiety-like responses, such as retreat and avoidance, and behavioral restraint when faced with unfamiliar people, objects, and events. Panel disorder has a special relevance for dentistry, because it is frequently associated with mitral valve prolapse. Furthermore, medications used to treat the disorder are associated with detrimental changes in the oral cavity and adverse interactions with dental therapeutic agents. The authors discuss the podromal characteristics of children at risk for panic disorder and the characteristics of the malady recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Associated medical problems are also presented and discussed. A survey of ninth graders found as many as 12 percent had spontaneous panic attacks. Approximately 20 percent of all adults with the disorder report its onset before age ten. Etiology, medical and dental management are discussed.