PANIC DISORDER IN THE MEDICAL SETTING

Most patients with panic disorder have their initial contact with the health care system in a general medical setting. Only 35% of patients have their first contact in a mental health care setting, and of these , only 22% are evaluated initially by a psychiatrist. Thus, family pra ctitioners, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists need to become familiar with the signs, symptoms, and differential dia gnosis of panic disorder. Early diagnosis of panic disorder by nonpsyc hiatrists - before unnecessary tests are ordered - would substantially decrease the costs associated with this condition.