The first panic attack: A missed chance for the prevention of panic disorder and its complications

Objective - Assessment and analysis of first medical consultations and thei r significance in panic disorder patients. Methods - 90 panic disorder pati ents were interviewed concerning their experiences with the medical system at the time of their first panic attack. Results Panic disorder patients co ntacted mostly non-psychiatric medical services at the time of their first panic attack The correct diagnosis was established in only 4 cases (5,6%). Conclusions - An important chance for secondary prevention of the developme nt of panic disorder is missed, probably due to the poor education of physi cians on panic attacks.