Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Panic attacks may indicate other ailments: study

People with panic attacks often have other mental and physical ailments, according to a new University of Manitoba study that researchers hope will spur doctors to look beyond the panic attack.

Using a national health database, clinical  psychology graduate student Jolene Kinley found that people with panic attacks also have more thoughts of suicide, social impairments and other mental disabilities. They also suffer more often from chronic physical ailments like asthma and allergies.

"When patients present in emergency rooms or doctors’ offices with panic disorders, we hope health-care professionals take a closer look," said Kinley.

The study will be published in this month’s Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. It drew on data from Statistics Canada and 34,000 detailed interviews done as part of the Canadian Community Health Survey.

Studies in the United States have suggested people with panic attacks might have deeper medical problems, but Kinley said her findings represent the first Canadian study of the prevalence of other ailments among panic attack sufferers.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Follow

  1. WFP Hockey

    Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates

  2. Editor's Bulletin

    Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand

  3. Winnipeg Jets

    All things NHL on our Jets landing page

  4. Twitter

    Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter

  5. News Cafe

    Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events

  6. Facebook Fanpage

    Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Should infants be allowed in the House of Commons?

View Results

View Related Story