THE IMPACT OF COMORBIDITY ON THE TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder comorbid with other psychiatric conditions appears to b e more common than panic disorder alone. Depression is the most freque ntly associated disorder. This article reviews the detrimental effects of comorbidity on the severity and course of panic disorder. The pres ence of comorbidity results in more severe anxiety and depressive symp toms, a higher rate of suicide attempts, a higher frequency of other c omorbid conditions, and a poorer response and compliance to treatment. Thus, it is important for physicians to be aware of the possibility o f comorbidity in patients with panic disorder in order to select the m ost appropriate therapy to target all components of their condition.