Panic Disorder: The Facts

This book deals with a relatively common psychological problem. A panic is a sudden episode of intense fear, often bordering on terror. Repeated attacks of panic are termed `panic disorder'. Roughly fifteen people per thousand develop a panic disorder at some time in their life. It is a distressing condition, and if it persists, has an adverse effect on most aspects of the person's life. This book gives clear answers to the questions sufferers ask and gives guidelines about treatment and self-help, as well as what is known about the disorder.
This book is mainly intended for the sufferers of panic disorder, and their families and friends. It will also be of interest to the general reader, and to health care workers who have to deal with this problem. Up-to-date information on the nature, symptoms, causes, theories and treatment of panic disorder is provided, all in non-technical language. The chapters on treatment give a detailed account of psychological therapy, also discuss drug treatment. There is also a chapter giving practical self-help advice. A final chapter answers some commonly asked questions. Numerous personal accounts are given throughout the book, highlighting various aspects of panic disorder and its treatment. The authors are clinical psychologists with extensive clinical and research experience in anxiety disorders.

Padmal de Silva is a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. Stanley Rachman is Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.