Panic disorder and alcohol misuse.

The literature on the relationship of panic disorder to alcoholism is reviewed. Four cases of panic disorder are presented, illustrating instances in which the diagnosis of panic disorder was delayed or obscured by alcoholism. Professionals in alcoholism treatment should therefore be better able to recognize panic disorder. Also, since tricyclic antidepressants are very effective in the treatment of panic disorder, the opposition in the alcoholism field to the use of any medication is criticized.