Just over two decades ago, the idea of an emotional disturbance
called panic disorder was officially introduced into
common discussion among psychiatrists. Since that time much
research, revision, and dissemination of knowledge have been
undertaken regarding a group of disorders that are now fairly
well recognized. Diverse studies indicate that 1.5 to 3.5 percent
of the population experience panic disorder at some point in
their lives, and many other people are afflicted with related
disorders, such as social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder,
depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder,
and specific phobia.