Alcoholism has been associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and
phobic disorders. The authors ascertained the current prevalence of panic
disorder and the lifetime prevalence of infrequent panic attacks in 154
male alcoholics in an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Thirteen percent
(N = 20) gave a lifetime history of panic attacks and 45% (N = 9) of these
had current panic disorder. Panic attacks preceded or coincided with the
onset of problem drinking in 50% (N = 9) of the 18 patients with both
diagnoses. Only two patients with histories of panic had been previously
diagnosed, and none had been treated. Clinical implications of these
findings are discussed.Abstract Teaser