New developments in panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a distressing and disabling disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks; anticipatory anxiety about having additional attacks; and agoraphobic fear and avoidance of situations in which attacks have occurred, ready escape is difficult, or help is unavailable in the event of an attack. It is typically associated with impairment in social, emotional, and vocational functioning, as well as excessive utilization of the medical care system. A number of pharmacologic agents and cognitive-behavioral treatments have proven effective for the treatment of panic disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are becoming first-line pharmacotherapy because of their favorable side effect profile and greater spectrum of efficacy in comparison with older classes of agents. In this article, we provide an overview of the prevalence, associated health care utilization, impairment in quality of life, and treatment of panic disorder.