Panic attacks in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association between panic attacks and comorbid mental disorders, psychiatric symptomotology, service utilization, and suicidality among individuals with schizophrenia in the community. METHOD Data were drawn from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study (n=20, 291). Differences in comorbid mental disorders, symptomotology, service use, and suicidality were determined between individuals with schizophrenia, with and without panic attacks. RESULTS Panic attacks (lifetime) were common among almost half (45%) of those with schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia and panic attacks had significantly elevated rates of co-occurring mental disorders, psychotic symptoms, suicidality, and mental health service utilization compared with individuals with schizophrenia who did not suffer from panic attacks. CONCLUSIONS Panic attacks are common among individuals with schizophrenia in the community and are associated with higher rates of other co-occurring mental disorders, service utilization and suicidality. These results suggest that concurrent treatment for both panic and schizophrenia may be indicated for optimal outcomes. Future research is needed to determine the direct and indirect cost benefit in providing mental health treatment for panic among individuals with schizophrenia in the community.