Consultation with or referral to a psychiatrist may be indicated when panic disorder does not respond to basic pharmacotherapy and when it coexists with other mental disorders and suicidal thoughts. Patient education Helping patients better understand panic disorder is very beneficial. Patients are often overwhelmed with information at their first office visit and do not retain particulars about their condition. Summary Panic disorder is a common and potentially debilitating anxiety disorder that can adversely affect patients' personal, social, work, and academic lives. It may go unrecognized for long periods, because physical symptoms may mimic other conditions.
Typical onset is during late adolescence and early adulthood.
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Current psychiatric therapy. Quality of life and cost factors in panic disorder. The biological basis of panic disorder. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with panic disorder.