title: Panic disorder: clinical perspectives.
abstract: The evolution of the concept of panic disorder is described and its utility in identifying treatment strategies outlined. Some data are provided which may account for the female preponderance in diagnosed cases. In discussing the continuing role of benzodiazepines the curious history of their progressive restriction in Britain is described. Component and cluster analysis of the phenomena associated with panic attacks provides unexpected support for Klein's theory linking the disorder with an evolved alarm mechanism for suffocation. Current concepts on treatment are briefly reviewed.
authors.affiliation: University of Leicester, School of Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, U.K.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brandon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines