Blocking the cycle of panic disorder

PREVIEW

Most people who consistently expect the worst of situations merely go through life as pessimists. But some, possibly because of dysfunction in various biologic systems, get caught in a vicious circle of increasing anxiety that ends in terrifying physical and cognitive symptoms. In this article, the authors describe typical and atypical presentations of panic attacks and factors that may trigger and accompany them. They also summarize effective pharmacologic and cognitive-behavioral therapy and provide an educational handout for patients.