There is strong evidence that panic disorder has a biological core. Its complications are primarily psychological. This same medication can prevent panic attacks from being caused by physical agents such as sodium lactate. PET scan data have established brain abnormalities in panic disorder. More evidence for the biological core of panic disorder should be seen in the future.
Panic disorder fits well into the medical model, including diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
It is analogous to ulcer disease. It is often chronic. Stress is contributory but not a sufficient cause for panic disorder, just as in ulcer disease. While this treatment combination has been scientifically verified, it is not standard treatment in this area. Supportive psychotherapy may be helpful, but is not as specific in treating panic disorder.