UNEXPLAINED CHEST PAIN - WHEN IS IT PANIC DISORDER

Noncardiac chest pain is a common costly phenomenon in the cardiology setting. Recent research suggests that panic disorder, a highly distre ssful yet treatable anxiety disorder, occurs in a significant proporti on of noncardiac chest pain patients. This article reviews research on the prevalence of panic disorder in patients seen in cardiology setti ngs for unexplained chest pain. Financial, psychosocial, and historica l aspects of noncardiac chest pain are described. Panic disorder and t he potential consequences of its nonrecognition by physicians are exam ined. Current psychological and pharmacologic treatments are reviewed. Recommendations on the management of panic patients in the cardiology setting are provided.