Biological models of panic disorder and agoraphobia—A review

Abstract

Biological models have had major consequences for the therapy and theory of panic disorder and agoraphobia. Authors such as Klein and Sheehan propose a qualitative biological distinction between panic attacks and other types of anxiety. Central arguments for their models include drug specificity, panic induction, family data, spontaneity of panic attacks and separation anxiety. A look at the evidence, however, shows surprisingly little empirical support for these arguments. In spite of the great heuristic value of Klein's and Sheehan's models, alternative approaches focusing on an interaction of physiological and psychological factors seem more capable of integrating the relevant findings.