[The first panic attack: a missed chance for prevention of panic disorder and its complications].

OBJECTIVE

Assessment and analysis of first medical consultations and their significance in panic disorder patients.

METHODS

90 panic disorder patients were interviewed concerning their experiences with the medical system at the time of their first panic attack.

RESULTS

Panic disorder patients contacted mostly non-psychiatric medical services at the time of their first panic attack. The correct diagnosis was established in only 4 cases (5.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

An important chance for secondary prevention of the development of panic disorder is missed, probably due to the poor education of physicians on panic attacks.