Non-fearful panic disorder in gastroenterology.

BACKGROUND

Nonfearful panic disorder (NFPD) is a panic condition masked under the appearance of somatic symptoms only, without the component of fear, and it represents a challenging diagnostic task.

METHOD: This is the first case report of NFPD in a male patient with acute gastric pain and gastrointestinal disease (atrophic gastritis and H. pylori infection).

RESULTS

The patient showed atypical panic symptoms and demoralization on the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research screening. He was successfully treated with anti-panic medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

DISCUSSION: The case report shows that accurate psychosomatic assessment may help clinicians avoid diagnostic delay, prevent the administration of unnecessary medications, and give patients more appropriate treatment.