Panic disorder Health Article

Complications

Possible complications of this condition include avoiding situations or places that might bring on an attack, and an increased likelihood for other anxiety and mood disorders.

Dependence on anti-anxiety medications is a possible complication of treatment. Dependence involves needing a medication to be able to function and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is not the same as addiction, which involves the uncontrolled use of a substance despite negative results. Dependence and addiction often occur together, but dependence itself is not always a problem.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if panic attacks are interfering with work, relationships, or self-esteem.

Prevention

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and cocaine and avoid alcohol use if you are prone to panic attacks. These substances may induce or worsen the symptoms.

References

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Bandelow B, Zohar J, Hollander E, Kasper S, Moller HJ. World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2002;3(4):171-199.

Fava GA, Rafanelli C, Grandi S, et. al. Long-term outcome of panic disorder with agoraphobia treated by exposure. Pyschol Med. 2001;31(5):891-8.

Katon WJ. Clinical Practice. Panic disorder. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(22):2360-7.

Smoller JW, Pollack MH, Wassertheil-Smoller S, et al. Panic attacks and risk of incident cardiovascular events among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(10):1153-60.