Early-Onset Fearful Panic Attack: a Possible Prodrome of Early-Onset Severe Psychopathology

To determine whether early-onset panic attack with fear at onset represents a possible prodrome of early-onset severe psychopathology. Logistics regression analyses revealed that respondents with early-onset panic attack with fear at onset had significantly earlier onset of almost every comorbid mental disorder, higher rates of familial psychopathology, & increased risk & lethality of suicide attempt compared with those with other panic attacks. These findings provide preliminary evidence to suggest that early-onset fearful panic attack may be a marker of risk of a lengthy course of severe psychopathology, which is predicted by familial mental illness, & is characterized by early onset & increased risk of serious suicidal behaviour. (32 refs)