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

Nisha Radhakrishna  Pillai; Varghese P  Punnoose; Karunakaran  Vidhukumar

doi:10.30834/KJP.37.1.2024.412

Authors

Nisha Radhakrishna Pillai Department of Psychiatry, Government TD Medical College , Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Varghese P Punnoose Department of Psychiatry, Government TD Medical College , Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Karunakaran Vidhukumar Department of Psychiatry, Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.37.1.2024.412

Keywords:

Panic disorder, non-cardiac chest pain, cross-sectional study, prevalence

Abstract

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.

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