Recognition and Treatment of Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a common, disabling condition that affects 3% to 5% of the world’s population. Althoughit is treatable, panic disorder goes unrecognized and untreated in many patients.Patients with panic disorder have an increased risk for other psychiatricdisorders, especially other anxiety disorders, and panic disorder is associatedwith other medical conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritablebowel syndrome. Clinicians treating panic disorder must be able to recognizethe disorder, differentiate it from other disorders in which panic attacks arepart of the symptomatology, and map out an individualized treatment plan foreach patient. This presentation discusses the importance of collaborationbetween doctor and patient and details available treatment options, includingantidepressants, benzodiazepines, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.