Panic disorder in Hispanic patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study determined the proportion of community-dwelling Hispanics who present for medical care for their panic attacks and identified factors associated with seeking care. We also compared characteristics of Hispanic subjects with those of non-Hispanic white panic sufferers.

METHODS

In this community-based study, subjects with panic attacks completed a structured interview concerning health care utilization, panic characteristics, coexisting psychiatric problems, and illness attitudes. Hispanics were self-identified and completed the Cuellar acculturation scale for Mexican-Americans.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine (53.7%) of 54 Hispanic subjects had sought medical care for their panic attacks. Care seeking in non-Hispanic whites was not dependent on these factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of the Hispanics with panic attacks seek no medical care for their attacks. Predictors of seeking care among Hispanics in San Antonio included coping style, symptom perceptions, and access to transportation.