Prevalence:

a) 1.5-3.5% worldwide during one’s lifetime

b) 1-2% of the population in any year

c) affects up to 5 million Americans annually

d) 1/3-1/2 have agoraphobia

Genetics:

a) ½-3/4 of individuals with Panic Disorder do not have close relatives with panic disorder

b) close relatives have a 400-700% increased risk of getting panic disorder

Comorbidity:

a) major depression 50-65% (precedes the panic 1/3 of the time when both are present)

b) social phobia 10-20%

c) generalized anxiety disorder 25%

d) obsessive compulsive disorder 8-10%

e) separation anxiety disorder in children

Economic & Social Burden:

a) use of emergency department, general medical and psychiatric services is 10-20 times higher than average

b) increased risk of alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide attempts and inability to be financially self-sufficient

c) if the individual has the BPD also, the suicide risk is 25%