Panic attacks and panic disorder

Panic disorder is a devastating condition with a higher prevalence in female patients and young adults. Panic disorder is frequently associated with major depression, agoraphobia, substance abuse, suicide attempts, and impaired quality of life. Only one half of the subjects with panic disorder seek care for their attacks, and those who seek care tend to present to primary care and emergency department settings. If treated appropriately, panic disorder has a favorable prognosis.