Alcohol and substance abuse in panic disorder.

The relationship between panic disorder and alcohol and substance abuse is well known but not clearly understood. Various theories have been proposed to explain the increased comorbidity of these two disorders. Patients may be self-medicating for anxiety symptoms or be genetically predisposed to this dual diagnosis. Whatever the cause, patients with panic disorder who abuse alcohol or other substances require careful attention from the clinician. To effectively treat the patient, both conditions must be taken into account when formulating a treatment plan.