[Panic disorder--a new diagnosis. Clinical picture and treatment]

Panic disorder (DSM-III, DSM-III-R) has been thoroughly studied in recent years. A review of the main evidence for panic disorder as a nosological entity is given, in order to delineate some important questions for future research. Validation criteria considered include epidemiological, phenomenological, genetic, neurobiological, pharmacological and behavioral findings. Biological, behavioral and psychodynamic considerations on etiology, pathogenesis and treatment are presented.