" Panic disorder, an update", following a historical description on the
development of the concept 'panic disorder' , an inventory of the characteristic symptomatology of panic attacks and a review of the epidemiological data on panic disorders are
presented. There is considerable agreement 011 the prevalence (0.5-1.5%) of panic disorder
from various centers spread all around the world.
It is was also noteworthy that women suffered more frequently from panic disorder
than men. The difference between men and women varied in variolls studies from
50% to 200%.
The genetic aspects of panic disorder are discussed. The conclusion was that panic
disorder had a sped fie genetic entity \vhich was not associated with a broad spedrum of
anxiety or other psychiatric disorders with the possible exception of social phobia.
Besides genetic factors, Life Events also played an important role in the development
of panic disorder. In particular, the presence of separation problems appeared to he of
great imporlance.
It appeared that for the treatment of panic disorder, both psycho-phannaceuticals
(benzodiazepincs, inhibitors of serotonin uptake, tricyclic antidepressants and inhibitors
of monoamine oxidase) and psychotherapy (cognitive behavior therapy) were effective.
However, the prognosis for patients who suffer from panic disorder is not un-dividedly
favorable. In a considerable proportion of the patients, the amiction follows a chronic
course. It may be possible to improve the long-term prognosis by continuing medication
for a prolonged period and/or by a combination of medication & psychothcrapy.