ABSTRACT
According to the DSM IV-TR, the lifetime prevalence rate of panic disorder (PD) in the general population is between 1 and 2%, but considerably higher in clinical samples (e.g., 10%). The distinguishing feature of panic disorder is the presence of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is characterized by a discrete period of intense fear in the absence of danger, accompanied by a number of cognitive or somatic symptoms (Table 7.1). DSM IV-TR criteria also specify that following the panic attack, a pervasive fear about having another often colors thoughts and behavior. The frequency and severity of panic attacks vary widely among individuals, with the age of onset typically between adolescence and young adulthood (mid-30s)—although panic disorder does occur in children (e.g., Goodwin, Pine, & Hoven, 2003; Muris, Schmidt, Engelbrecht, & Perold, 2002). Flint (1994) reported that anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, are significantly less common in the elderly. The course of
panic disorder is usually chronic but is sometimes characterized by periods of remission and recurrent episodes. Approximately one third to 50% of individuals with panic disorder are also diagnosed with agoraphobia-anxiety about (or avoidance of ) places or situations where a person fears it may be difficult to escape or help may be unavailable. Starcevic and colleagues (1993) reported that frequent and severe panic attacks alongwith fears about future panic attacks likely contribute to the development of agoraphobia in many patients with panic disorder.
