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panic disorder
Also known as: PD, panic disorders
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Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder ... - AAFP aafp.org May 1, 2015 39 facts
claimThe Severity Measure for Panic Disorder–Adult is an assessment scale that can complement the clinical assessment of patients with panic disorder.
claimTreatment for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder often includes medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and/or psychotherapy, both of which are highly effective.
claimPsychotherapy may be used alone or combined with medication as a first-line treatment for Panic Disorder (PD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), based on patient preference.
claimA diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder requires that the disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, or schizophrenia.
procedureThe authors searched Essential Evidence Plus, PubMed, and Ovid Medline using keywords including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, diagnosis, treatment, medication, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and complementary and alternative medicine, and searched organizations including the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the Cochrane Collaboration between May and July 2014.
claimPsychotherapy is as effective as medication for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD).
claimEvidence indicates that Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD) usually occur alongside at least one other psychiatric disorder, such as mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders.
claimA diagnosis of panic disorder requires that the patient worries about further attacks or modifies their behavior in maladaptive ways to avoid them.
claimPhysical activity is a cost-effective approach in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).
procedurePsychiatric referral may be indicated for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder (PD) if there is poor response to treatment, atypical presentation, or concern for significant comorbid psychiatric illness.
claimThe diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD) is complicated by the fact that many conditions in the differential diagnosis are also common comorbidities.
claimThe hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive, out-of-control worry, and panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
claimEvidence suggests that the rates of missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are high, with symptoms often ascribed to physical causes.
claimPatient education can help reduce anxiety, particularly in patients with Panic Disorder (PD).
claimA diagnosis of panic disorder requires that the disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance, such as a drug of abuse or medication, or another medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism or cardiopulmonary disorders.
claimPanic disorder is characterized by episodic, unexpected panic attacks that occur without a clear trigger.
claimAzapirones, such as buspirone (Buspar), are better than placebo for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but do not appear to be effective for panic disorder (PD).
referenceThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD) in adults provide a useful review of available evidence, though information regarding self-help and group therapies may have limited utility in the United States due to a relative lack of availability.
claimCombining medication and psychotherapy may be more effective for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder (PD).
claimTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are thought to be effective for both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD), and in the treatment of panic disorder, they are as effective as SSRIs, though adverse effects may limit their use in some patients.
claimCaffeine can trigger panic disorder (PD) and other types of anxiety, and individuals with panic disorder may be more sensitive to caffeine than the general population due to genetic polymorphisms in adenosine receptors.
claimSome studies evaluating anxiety treatments assess non-specific anxiety-related symptoms rather than the specific symptom sets that characterize Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder (PD).
claimMusic therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and massage are helpful for anxiety associated with specific disease states, but none have been evaluated specifically for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder (PD).
claimMedication or psychotherapy are considered reasonable initial treatment options for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD).
claimGeneralized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are among the most common mental disorders in the United States, and they can negatively impact a patient's quality of life and disrupt important activities of daily living.
claimAmong psychotherapeutic treatments for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, cognitive behavior therapy has been studied widely and has an extensive evidence base.
claimBupropion (Wellbutrin) may have anxiogenic effects for some patients, and it is not approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder (PD).
claimThe GAD-7 and the Severity Measure for Panic Disorder are free diagnostic tools that can be used to help make the diagnosis and monitor response to therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
claimTo be diagnosed with panic disorder, at least one panic attack must be followed by one month or more of persistent concern about additional attacks or their consequences, or a significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks.
claimThe placebo response rate for medications used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD) is high.
claimWhile unexpected panic attacks are required for a diagnosis of panic disorder, many patients also experience expected panic attacks that occur in response to a known trigger.
claimSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered first-line therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder (Evidence rating: B).
claimPatients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder (PD) frequently meet criteria for other psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and social phobia.
claimThere is insufficient evidence to support a concise recommendation on the prevention of panic disorder (PD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.
procedureMedication for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder should be continued for 12 months before tapering to prevent relapse.
claimPhysical activity can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
claimPhysical activity is a cost-effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder (Evidence rating: B).
claimVenlafaxine (extended release) is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD), whereas duloxetine (Cymbalta) has been adequately evaluated only for generalized anxiety disorder.
claimSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered first-line therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).
The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Anxiety thesupportivecare.com Apr 25, 2025 10 facts
claimFor panic disorder and social anxiety, combination treatment (CBT plus medication) often provides faster initial relief but offers no advantage over Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alone at follow-up.
procedureInteroceptive Exposure in CBT for panic disorder involves deliberately inducing panic-like sensations (e.g., hyperventilation, spinning) to help patients learn that these sensations are not dangerous, which reduces panic attack frequency by 75-90% in most patients.
measurementCBT for panic disorder yields remission rates of 70-80%, with approximately 75% of patients remaining panic-free at 2-year follow-up, which is superior to medication alone, which shows higher relapse rates when discontinued.
claimPsychoeducation in CBT for panic disorder involves teaching patients about the fight-or-flight response and how panic attacks represent false alarms rather than dangerous events, which reduces catastrophic thinking by approximately 40% in most patients.
procedureCognitive Restructuring of Catastrophic Misinterpretations in CBT for panic disorder involves patients learning to challenge thoughts like "I'm having a heart attack" or "I'm going to faint" with more accurate interpretations such as "This is anxiety, and it will pass."
measurementCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Panic Disorder demonstrates success rates of 70-80%, with approximately 50-70% of patients achieving complete remission.
measurementA study by Barlow et al. (2000) found that while Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and imipramine showed comparable acute effects for panic disorder, CBT demonstrated significantly better outcomes at a 6-month follow-up after treatment discontinuation.
measurementApproximately 6 million American adults, or 2.7% of the population, have Panic Disorder, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men.
claimCBT for panic disorder focuses on addressing catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations and reducing avoidance behaviors.
claimPanic Disorder features recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about future attacks.
Diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders set out in DSM-IV and ICD ... ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 5 facts
claimPanic disorder is diagnosed by the presence of recurrent unexpected panic attacks, followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks (such as losing control or having a heart attack), or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
referenceThe ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) require that the disorder does not meet the criteria for panic disorder, phobic anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, or hypochondriacal disorder.
claimThe DSM-IV classification system distinguishes between panic disorder with agoraphobia and panic disorder without agoraphobia, as specified in criterion B under the panic disorder heading.
claimAccording to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is defined by a period of at least six months of prominent tension, worry, and apprehension about everyday events, combined with at least four symptoms from a list of 22 (including at least one autonomic arousal symptom), provided the disorder does not meet criteria for panic disorder, phobic anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, or hypochondriacal disorder.
claimIn the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, the anxiety or worry must not be about having a panic attack (as in panic disorder), being embarrassed in public (as in social phobia), being contaminated (as in obsessive–compulsive disorder), being away from home or close relatives (as in separation anxiety disorder), gaining weight (as in anorexia nervosa), having multiple physical complaints (as in somatization disorder), or having a serious illness (as in hypochondriasis), and the anxiety and worry must not occur exclusively during post-traumatic stress disorder.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety-Related Disorders link.springer.com Dec 19, 2022 4 facts
referenceStein MB, Goin MK, Pollack MH, et al. authored the 'Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with panic disorder', 2nd edition, published by the American Psychiatric Press in 2009.
measurementAmong the classifications of anxiety disorders, specific phobia (10.3%), panic disorders (6%), social phobia (2.7%), and generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) (2.2%) are the most common.
referenceThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published clinical guideline CG113 regarding the management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults in 2011.
claimThe majority of the 10 studies included in the meta-analysis 'Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety-Related Disorders' examined the treatment of PTSD (n = 7 studies), while one study each covered ASD, GAD, and SAD, with no studies covering panic disorder, OCD, or specific phobia.
Effective Anxiety Management: Evidence-Based Approaches reachlink.com Nov 29, 2025 4 facts
claimAgoraphobia often originates as a complication of panic disorder, where fears are linked to the possibility of having panic attacks in uncomfortable situations.
claimPanic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks, which are episodes of intense anxiety and fear that trigger bodily symptoms such as nausea, trembling, racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
claimIndividuals with panic disorder often worry about having a panic attack at the wrong time, which may lead them to avoid benign situations.
claimExposure therapy is considered most effective for anxieties related to specific situations, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or agoraphobia, with additional evidence supporting its use for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
CBT for Anxiety: Evidence-Based Techniques for Lasting Relief revivespokane.com Oct 22, 2025 3 facts
measurementCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has success rates of approximately 70-90% for treating panic disorder.
claimCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for treating social phobia (social anxiety disorder), panic disorder, and specific phobias.
referenceAnxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (persistent and excessive worry), social anxiety disorder (fear of social situations and negative judgment), panic disorder (recurring panic attacks), obsessive-compulsive disorder (unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors), post-traumatic stress disorder (developing after traumatic events), and specific phobias (extreme fear of particular objects or situations).
Diagnosis of Anxiety - News-Medical.Net news-medical.net 2 facts
referenceThe DSM-IV-TR criteria for Panic Disorder include: (1) frequent panic attacks without cause or warning; (2) potential presence of agoraphobia (fear of large open spaces); (3) absence of other psychiatric or medical ailments that explain the attacks; and (4) at least one attack followed by fear and concern regarding another attack, worry regarding the consequences of an attack, or a change in behavior related to the panic attacks.
measurementNearly 60% of patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder also experience accompanying panic disorder or depressive disorders.
Sleep Deprivation: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages my.clevelandclinic.org Aug 11, 2022 2 facts
claimMental health conditions that can affect sleep include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mania, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and somniphobia (fear of sleep).
claimMental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mania, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and somniphobia, can negatively affect sleep and contribute to a self-reinforcing cycle of sleep deprivation.
Environmental factors and mental health | Research Starters - EBSCO ebsco.com 2 facts
claimFollowing the global spread of the COVID-19 respiratory disease in 2020, the implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions by nations and local communities resulted in a significant increase in cases of anxiety, panic disorder, and depression in subsequent years.
claimFollowing the global spread of the COVID-19 respiratory disease in 2020 and the subsequent implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions, there was a significant increase in cases of anxiety, panic disorder, and depression in the following years.
Mind and Body Approaches for Stress and Anxiety frontlineerdallas.com 1 fact
measurementA 2018 meta-analysis of 50 studies involving 2,801 participants found that relaxation therapy was less effective than cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder, though no difference was found between the two therapies for other anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Table 3.15, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder ... - NCBI ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 1 fact
claimThe DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder state that the disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as panic attacks in panic disorder, negative evaluation in social anxiety disorder, contamination or other obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation from attachment figures in separation anxiety disorder, reminders of traumatic events in posttraumatic stress disorder, gaining weight in anorexia nervosa, physical complaints in somatic symptom disorder, perceived appearance flaws in body dysmorphic disorder, having a serious illness in illness anxiety disorder, or the content of delusional beliefs in schizophrenia or delusional disorder.
Treatment, Therapy and Stress Management Techniques to Help ... counseling.online.wfu.edu Jul 17, 2020 1 fact
claimAnxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mind and Body Approaches for Stress and Anxiety - nccih nccih.nih.gov 1 fact
claimA 2019 review concluded that yoga as an adjunctive therapy facilitates the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, and that tai chi and qigong may be helpful as adjunctive therapies for depression, though effects are inconsistent.
CBT For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) cogbtherapy.com 1 fact
claimExposure therapy can simultaneously assist with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depressive symptoms in individuals who have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) alongside these conditions.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Counseling Nexus manifold.counseling.org 1 fact
referenceA 2025 randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial by Hoppe et al. investigated the acute effects of 150 mg of caffeine on subjective, physiological, and behavioral components of anxiety in individuals with panic disorder and healthy controls.
Overview of Anxiety Disorders - Psychiatry - MSD Manuals msdmanuals.com 1 fact
claimIt has been hypothesized that genetic vulnerabilities and early traumatic experiences prime some children to be unusually attentive to their own physical and emotional reactions to stress, potentially leading to panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Stress: Its Negative Impact on Your Mental & Physical Health cwcare.net Jun 7, 2023 1 fact
claimWomen are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Extent and Health Consequences of Chronic Sleep Loss and ... - NCBI ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 1 fact
measurementA study of 10,000 adults by Weissman and colleagues (1997) found that insomnia increased the risk of major depression fivefold and increased the risk of panic disorder 20-fold (OR = 20.3, 95% CI, 4.4–93.8).
Anxiety Disorders DSM - 445 Dolley Madison Road crossroadspsychiatric.com 1 fact
referenceThe DSM-IV-TR defines the diagnostic criteria for Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder (Code 300.22) as the presence of agoraphobia related to fear of developing panic-like symptoms, where criteria for Panic Disorder have never been met, the disturbance is not due to physiological effects of a substance or medical condition, and if a medical condition is present, the fear is in excess of what is usually associated with that condition.