Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are studying panic attacks to determine the most effective long-term treatments for the disorder. People who get panic attacks often experience sudden feelings of terror, accompanied by a pounding heart, hot flashes and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks interfere with their lives because they may avoid certain activities and worry that they will have additional attacks. Panic disorders affect about 6 million people in the United States.
Women are twice as likely as men to have panic attacks.
Those who are judged to be responders to CBT are then further randomized into groups treated with maintenance CBT or no therapy. To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years of age and have recurrent panic attacks. Blood and urine samples are involved and participants may receive a physical exam. Those enrolled in the study will receive services at no cost. All calls are confidential.