Panic disorder in adults

Panic disorder - background Panic disorder is very common and deleterious to mental wellbeingLifetime prevalence 1 to14 % First described in 1960 - it was seen that patients with panic attacks would respond to imipramine while other patients with anxiety would not Often co-exists with agoraphobia- which is avoidance of exposed situations for fear of panic or inability to escape ( Greek- fear of marketplace )DSM 5 criteria for panic disorder A -Individual experiences recurrent unexpected panic attacks- abrupt feelings of intense fear or discomfort that reach heights within minutes , during a time in which atleast 4 of the following symptoms occur1 palpitations , pounding heart or accelerated heart rate2 sweating3 trembling or shaking4 instances of SOB or feeling smothered5 feelings of choking6 chest pain or discomfort7 nausea or abdominal distress8 feeling dizzy , unsteady , light headed , or faint9 chills or heat sensations10 paraesthesias (numbness or tingling )11 derealization or derpersonalization12 fear of loosing control or going crazy13 fear of dyingB -One or more of the attacks were followed by a month ( or longer ) of one or both of the following1 persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences ( eg loosing...