Med. praxi. 2020;17(2):104-108 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2020.020

Panic disorder - symptoms and diagnostics

doc. MUDr. Dana Končelíková, Ph.D.

Klinika psychiatrie FN Olomouc a Lékařská fakulta UP, Olomouc

Panic disorder belongs to the group of anxiety disorders and it is characterized by the presence of panic attacks and anticipatory anxiety. At least one quater of population experience at least one panic attack in their life. Panic attacks are characterized by their suddenness and limited duration. During the panic attack, the affected person experiences massive anxiety, which is accompanied by fears and physical symptoms. The symptoms could be so intense that the patients offten go straight to Emergency without consultation with primary care doctor. A number of effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches have been developed. However, their efficacy dependents on the correct indication and hence correct diagnosis.

Keywords: panic attack, respiratory alkalosis, vegetative symptoms, anticipatory anxiety, differential diagnosis, therapy.

Published: June 1, 2020  Show citation