Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in panic disorder

Previous reports have noted an increased prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with panic disorder. The authors found a prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in 19 (27%) of 70 patients with panic disorder. Compared to a subgroup of 25 patients with classic features of panic disorder and no obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the subgroup with obsessive-compulsive symptoms had an earlier onset of illness, were more likely to have personal and family histories of major depression and substance abuse, and showed a poorer outcome after treatment.