Examining Criteria for Panic Disorder

After extensive discussion, multiple reviews of the literature, data re-analyses, and a field trial, the DSM-IV panic disorder subgroup proposed several changes to improve the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder. The criteria set will emphasize recurrent unexpected panic attacks in which at least one of the attacks is followed by a month or more of one of three conditions: persistent concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences (such as losing control, having a heart attack, or "going crazy"), or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.

The modified criteria should better describe the typical patient and thus should also have greater educational value. Otherwise, in keeping with the generally conservative stance of the DSM-IV revision process, most of the DSM-Ill-R criteria will be retained.