Panic attacks and panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a devastating condition with a higher prevalence in female patients and young adults. Panic disorders is frequently associated with major depression, agoraphobia, substance abuse, suicide attempts, and impaired quality of life. Only one half of the subjects with panic disorder seek care for their attacks, and those who do seek care tend to present to primary care and emergency department settings. If treated appropriately, panic disorder has a favorable prognosis.