Panic disorder.

Panic disorder affects an estimated 1.4 percent of the general population. Nearly 70 percent of patients with panic disorder may also suffer from a major depressive disorder at some time in their lives. Both disorders respond to tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Alprazolam is also an effective antipanic agent. Because avoidance behaviour (agoraphobia) often follows the onset of panic disorder, behavioral interventions are an important adjunct to management.