The drug is cost-effective, added Dr. Reesal. These patients have eight times more consultations and tests than the general population and it takes about 10 visits to cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists and others for up to six years before a proper diagnosis is made, added Dr. Bradwejn. They also seek help from other health professionals, including behavior and exercise therapists. Ron, who has suffered from the disease for almost 15 years, spent many of those years visiting health professionals to try to find out what was wrong with him. He said an early diagnosis would have prevented years of hell.
Women are about three times more at risk than men.
The attack can last from a few minutes to more than 20 minutes. Some patients have attacks several times a day. Some patients self treat with alcohol or sedatives. Researchers believe there's a genetic component to panic disorder. Studies show anxiety disorders in general are five times as common in identical twins as nonidentical twins.