Oral contraceptives and panic disorder.

BACKGROUND

There are no published reports of an association between triphasic oral contraceptives and the development of panic disorder.

METHOD

The authors describe two cases in which the use of triphasic oral contraceptives in women appear to have precipitated panic disorder. Treatment with the triphasic oral contraceptives was stopped and the patients were followed for 2 years.

RESULTS

Both subjects had rapid and total resolution of their panic disorder symptoms following cessation of triphasic oral contraceptive medications.

CONCLUSION

Triphasic oral contraceptives in some predisposed women may lead to precipitation of panic disorder.