ABSTRACT
Until firm genetic or environmental predictors of later development of panic disorder are identified, not much can be done by way of preventing the disorder. However, as discussed earlier, the outcome of panic disorder, especially social functioning, is inversely correlated with the length of illness before the onset of treatment (Shinoda et al 1999). Therefore, an effective preventive strategy would aim to reduce the time lag between the onset of the illness and initiation of treatment. For this to happen, the factors causing this delay should be understood and addressed properly. Lack of knowledge on the part of physicians about the nature of panic disorder may delay the diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, and lead to extensive unnecessary physical and laboratory investigations. The general educational level of a society and the ways in which its members relate with health services, as well as their attribution of meaning to symptoms, may also affect their seeking appropriate care.
