Panic disorder

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Quick Overview

Panic disorder is characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by ≥1 month of persistent worry about further attacks or maladaptive behavioural change. Distinguish from isolated panic attacks (common, not pathological) and other anxiety disorders. NICE CG113 emphasises psychological therapy first-line, with pharmacotherapy reserved for non-responders or patient preference. Critical to screen for developing agoraphobia (avoidance of situations where escape feels difficult).

Core Facts & Concepts

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5/ICD-11)

  • Panic attack: Abrupt surge of intense fear/discomfort peaking within minutes, with ≥4 of 13 symptoms (palpitations, sweating, trembling, dyspnoea, choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, paraesthesia, chills/heat, derealisation, fear of losing control, fear of dying)
  • Panic disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks PLUS ≥1 month of concern about attacks or maladaptive avoidance
  • Key distinction: Isolated panic attacks ≠ panic disorder; requires persistent worry/behaviour change

Figure 1: Clinical photograph showing patient with acute anxiety displaying hyperventilation posture and distressed facial expression

Epidemiology & Comorbidity

  • Prevalence: 1-2% adults; F:M ratio 2:1
  • Peak onset: Late adolescence/early adulthood
  • 50-65% develop agoraphobia if untreated
  • High comorbidity: Depression (50-60%), GAD, substance misuse

NICE CG113 Treatment Hierarchy

LineInterventionSpecifics
1stPsychological therapyCBT 7-14 hours over 4 months
2ndSSRI (if CBT declined/ineffective)Sertraline 50mg OD (start dose)
3rdAlternative SSRI or imipramine/clomipramineTCA if 2 SSRIs fail
AvoidBenzodiazepines long-termOnly short-term crisis (2-4 weeks max)

Problem-Solving Approach

Step-by-Step Assessment

  1. Rule out medical causes (10-15% have organic aetiology):
    • 🩺 Cardiovascular: MI, arrhythmia, mitral valve prolapse
    • 🫁 Respiratory: Asthma, PE, COPD exacerbation
    • 🧠 Neurological: TIA, epilepsy (temporal lobe)
    • ⚡ Endocrine: Hyperthyroidism, hypoglycaemia, phaeochromocytoma
    • 💊 Substances: Caffeine excess, cocaine, amphetamines, medication withdrawal

Figure 2: ECG showing sinus tachycardia with normal ST segments and T waves

  1. Confirm panic disorder diagnosis:

    • Document recurrent unexpected attacks (not just situational)
    • Establish ≥1 month persistent worry/avoidance
    • Exclude other anxiety disorders (specific phobia triggers, social anxiety)
  2. Screen for agoraphobia (NICE CG113 safety-netting):

    • Ask about avoidance of public transport, open/enclosed spaces, crowds, leaving home alone
    • If present in ≥2 situations → diagnose agoraphobia (changes management)
  3. Assess severity & risk:

    • Frequency of attacks, functional impairment
    • 🚩 Suicidal ideation (20-30% attempt suicide)
    • Substance use as coping mechanism

Red Flags Requiring Urgent Review

  • 🚩 Chest pain with cardiac risk factors → exclude ACS
  • 🚩 New-onset panic age >45 years → investigate organic causes
  • 🚩 Suicidal ideation with plan/intent
  • 🚩 Severe agoraphobia preventing self-care

Analysis Framework

Differential Diagnosis: Panic Disorder vs Other Presentations

FeaturePanic DisorderGADSocial AnxietySpecific Phobia
Attack patternUnexpected, spontaneousPersistent worry (not attacks)Situational (social)Situational (specific object)
TriggerNone (or internal cues)Multiple life worriesSocial evaluationSpecific stimulus
DurationMinutes (peaks <10 min)Months (chronic)During/before eventDuring exposure
AvoidanceMultiple situations (if agoraphobia)Difficult to avoid worriesSocial situations onlySpecific object/situation
Physical symptomsIntense autonomic surgeMuscle tension, restlessnessBlushing, tremorVaries by phobia

CBT Components (NICE CG113 Recommended)

  • Psychoeducation: Normalise physical symptoms, explain fight/flight response
  • Cognitive restructuring: Challenge catastrophic misinterpretations
  • Interoceptive exposure: Induce physical sensations (hyperventilation, spinning) to reduce fear
  • In vivo exposure: Gradual confrontation of avoided situations (if agoraphobia)
  • Breathing retraining: Controversial (may increase focus on symptoms)

SSRI Prescribing Considerations

  • Start low: Sertraline 25-50mg OD (anxiety patients sensitive to activation)
  • Warn: Symptoms may worsen first 2 weeks before improvement at 4-6 weeks
  • Target dose: Sertraline 50-200mg, escitalopram 10-20mg
  • Duration: Continue 12 months after remission, then taper slowly (6 months)
  • 📊 Response rate: 60-80% with adequate dose/duration

Visual Aid

Quick Comparison: Panic Disorder Management Options

InterventionEvidence StrengthTime to EffectRelapse Prevention
CBTHigh (NNT=3)4-8 weeksExcellent (skills retained)
SSRIsHigh (NNT=5)4-6 weeksModerate (relapse if stopped)
BenzodiazepinesModerate (short-term)ImmediatePoor (dependence risk)
Self-helpModerateVariableGood (if engaged)

Key Points Summary

Diagnosis requires: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks PLUS ≥1 month persistent concern/maladaptive behaviour change (not just isolated attacks)

First-line treatment: CBT (7-14 hours over 4 months) including interoceptive exposure and cognitive restructuring per NICE CG113

SSRI dosing: Start sertraline 50mg OD; warn about initial 2-week worsening; continue 12 months post-remission before tapering

Safety-netting: Screen for agoraphobia development (50-65% risk) and assess suicidal ideation (20-30% attempt rate)

Exclude medical causes: Cardiac (MI, arrhythmia), thyroid, hypoglycaemia, substance use - especially if new-onset age >45 years

Benzodiazepine caution: Avoid long-term use (dependence risk); only short-term crisis management (2-4 weeks maximum)

Red flag: Chest pain with cardiac risk factors → urgent ECG/troponin to exclude ACS before attributing to panic

Clinical Pearl: Panic disorder patients often present repeatedly to A&E with "heart attack" symptoms - document thorough cardiac workup once, then provide reassurance card for future episodes to reduce healthcare utilisation.

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Practice Questions: Panic disorder

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A 43-year-old woman presents with episodes of severe anxiety, palpitations, and sweating. These occur unpredictably and last 10-15 minutes. Between episodes she feels well. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Flashcards: Panic disorder

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Most likely diagnosis in a patient with track marks presenting with N&V, diarrhoea, myalgia, pilorection ("goosebumps"), mydriasis & yawning? Basic observations show tachycardia and hypertension. _____

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Most likely diagnosis in a patient with track marks presenting with N&V, diarrhoea, myalgia, pilorection ("goosebumps"), mydriasis & yawning? Basic observations show tachycardia and hypertension. _____

Opioid withdrawal

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