Panic attacks in chronic schizophrenia

Br J Psychiatry. 1990 Sep:157:430-3. doi: 10.1192/bjp.157.3.430.

Abstract

Of 20 patients attending a clinic for maintenance therapy of schizophrenia, seven had regular panic attacks, and these were often associated with agoraphobia and social phobia. Similar fears and avoidance in other cases were associated with paranoid ideas and negative symptoms. The relationship of panic to psychotic symptoms varied greatly. In two patients neuroleptics were associated with an increase in panic attacks.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agoraphobia / psychology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*