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1991.11.13 :  Panic Disorder Educational Campaign

Contact: Lynn J. Cave (301) 443-4536    
November 13, 1991

     Panic disorder, an illness that causes terrifying symptoms
that can mimic a heart attack, is the focus of a new National
Institute of Mental Health educational campaign aimed at helping
the 3 million Americans who suffer from this disorder.  
       "While effective and affordable therapies are available
for panic disorder, few people with this illness receive
appropriate  treatment," Frederick K. Goodwin, M.D.,
administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health
Administration, NIMH's parent agency, said today. "Thus there is
a need for increased awareness--by both the general public and
health care practitioners--about panic disorder, its symptoms,
and the treatments available."
       Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., NIMH acting director, said the
goal of the three-year campaign is to increase the likelihood
that people with panic disorder are properly diagnosed and
treated. "With appropriate treatment, as many as 90 percent of
people with this illness can be relieved of the repeated and
unexpected bouts of overwhelming fear that characterize it,"
Leshner said.
       Dr. Goodwin described the frightening symptoms of panic
disorder, which often resemble those of a heart attack or other
life-threatening medical illnesses.  They include feelings of
terror, heart palpitations, difficulty in breathing, profuse
sweating and tingling or numbness.  They can be so terrifying
that people often think they are dying and go to a hospital
emergency room.  
       Stressing that medical illnesses must first be ruled out
as the cause of these symptoms, Dr. Leshner added,
"Unfortunately, many patients undergo round after round of
extensive and expensive cardiac, neurological, respiratory, or
other tests that fail to reveal panic disorder as the cause of
their suffering."
       People with panic disorder sometimes see as many as 10
doctors before being diagnosed.  "This adds to the patient's
distress," Dr. Leshner said, "and also puts further demands on
our already overburdened medical system."  
       If left untreated, panic disorder can be disabling,
greatly limiting a person's range of activities and severely
impairing the quality of life.

       A panel of experts convened by NIMH and the National
Institutes of Health recently concluded there are effective
treatments for panic disorder.  These include both medications
and cognitive/behavioral therapy specifically aimed at reducing
and overcoming the symptoms of a panic attack.

       Throughout the course of its three-year campaign, NIMH
will 
develop print and audiovisual information materials for the lay
public, health care professionals, and employers about the
symptoms and treatment of panic disorder.  The institute will
work closely with professional societies, mental health voluntary
organizations, and general and specialized media to ensure
widespread distribution of information.  

       At today's campaign kickoff, NIMH released a new pamphlet
on panic disorder written for a general audience; copies can be
obtained by writing Panic Disorder, Pueblo, Colo.  81009.  

       People who wish to obtain printed information about panic
disorder may do so by calling toll-free:  1-800-421-4211.


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