Prevalence of panic disorder among patients with non-cardiac chest pain attending cardiology outpatient department in a tertiary care centre in Kerala – A cross-sectional study

• Published in: The Kerala journal of psychiatry Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 37 - 42
• Main Authors: NR, Pillai, VP, Punnoose, K, Vidhukumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indian Psychiatric Society (Kerala State Branch 11.09.2024
• Subjects: cross-sectional study; non-cardiac chest pain; panic disorder; prevalence
• ISSN: 0377-0699; 2395-1486
• DOI: 10.30834/KJP.37.1.2024.412

Background: Non-cardiac chest pain, a term that serves as a broad canvas, has a multitude of potential causes in which panic disorder emerges as a prevailing cause. The recognition and accurate diagnosis of panic disorder among patients with non-cardiac chest pain is important. Hence a study was conducted to understand the prevalence of panic disorder among patients with non-cardiac chest pain in a tertiary care center in Kerala. Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was done among 118 patients who were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain by a cardiologist. The study was conducted in the cardiology OPD in a tertiary care center in Kerala. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Panic disorder – Version 6.0.0 (M.I.N.I.) was used to diagnose panic disorder among these patients. Results: It was found that panic disorder was present in 39.8% (95% Confidence Interval - 30.9-49.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of panic disorder in patients diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain was 39.8%. Consultation liaison treatment using pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy with the help of a psychiatrist may benefit such patients.