Panic disorder

Question 1

Define panic disorder.

Answer 1

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.

Question 2

What are risk factors for panic disorder?

Answer 2

A traumatic or very stressful life experience, such as bereavement

Family history

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of panic disorder.

Answer 3

Occurs in adults with a lifetime prevalence of about 2% and a 6-month prevalence of about 1.2%.

Panic attacks are relatively common, with a lifetime rate of about 9%.

Question 4

What are signs and symptoms of panic disorder?

Answer 4

Panic attacks

No trigger, occur frequently

Question 5

What investigations should be performed for panic disorder?

Answer 5

FBC

U+Es

Ca2+

LFTs

TFTs

Question 6

What is the management for panic disorder?

Answer 6

CBT

Antidepressants if long term

Question 7

What are complications associated with panic disorder?

Answer 7

Risk of developing agoraphobia or other phobias.

Treatable and has good prognosis