British researchers conducted a study to determine the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), acute myocardial infarction (MI), and CHD-related deaths in patients with panic attacks or panic disorder. This study analyzed and tracked medical records of participants from 1990 to 2002.

The study found that heart disease was more prevalent among all participants with new onset panic disorder or panic attacks, but was especially high among participants under age 50. It also suggested that the risk heart attack was especially high among younger female participants age 16 to 40 years with a diagnosis of new onset panic. There was no increased incidence of heart attack for panic participants over age 50. Although the incidence of heart disease and heart attack was increased for the panic participants, the death rate from heart disease was lower for all age groups with panic.

The researchers suggest that those with panic disorder or a history of panic attacks should be appropriately screened for heart disease. However, they also note that their results should be “interpreted with caution.” There are many limitations of this study, including misdiagnosis of some participants as having PD when, in fact, they were experiencing symptoms of heart disease.

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Many people with panic disorder or other anxiety disorders go to great lengths to keep their symptoms a secret. Although they may disclose their condition to a few select friends or family members, the majority of people in their lives may not have any knowledge about the difficulties they are going through. Many suffer quietly, feeling the need to avoid disclosing their secret at all costs.

How do you feel about disclosing your PD to others? Please share your thoughts or stories about your experiences in the comments section below.

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On the Panic Disorder Forum, mrsellen writes:

I had an abusive childhood and had a hard time believing that its really okay to be happy and that we all deserve some pleasure in this life.

If you are a survivor of child abuse and also have an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. There are many studies that show a connection between childhood abuse and/or trauma and the development of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders in adulthood.

If you are an adult survivor of child abuse and have an anxiety disorder, you should discuss your past abuse with a healthcare provider. Your treatment plan should include addressing your anxiety as well as healing your past trauma. Additionally, you can find support at About.com Abuse/Incest Support.

This weeks poll:

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Even in the best of circumstances, many of us feel a certain amount of extra stress this time of year. If you have panic disorder, this may mean increased anxiety and panic attacks. Many thanks to the readers who contributed their helpful tips for a peaceful holiday season!

More support can be found in the panic disorder forum. Come join us!

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