The impact of comorbidity on the treatment of panic disorder

J Clin Psychiatry. 1998:59 Suppl 8:11-4; discussion 15-6.

Abstract

Panic disorder comorbid with other psychiatric conditions appears to be more common than panic disorder alone. Depression is the most frequently associated disorder. This article reviews the detrimental effects of comorbidity on the severity and course of panic disorder. The presence of comorbidity results in more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, a higher rate of suicide attempts, a higher frequency of other comorbid conditions, and a poorer response and compliance to treatment. Thus, it is important for physicians to be aware of the possibility of comorbidity in patients with panic disorder in order to select the most appropriate therapy to target all components of their condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agoraphobia / diagnosis
  • Agoraphobia / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Nortriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Primary Health Care
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotherapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Nortriptyline