Panic disorder

PREVIEW

If a patient came to your office describing episodes of chest pain, palpitations, and breathlessness, what would you think? If you learned that he or she was avoiding certain situations for fear of having an episode in public and was having marital and employment difficulties as well, would your suspicions change? Dr Katerndahl summarizes features of patient presentation that suggest panic disorder. He also describes psychosocial therapy and compares the risks and benefits of available options for pharmacologic therapy.