What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder consists of repeated, sudden episodes or “attacks” of intense or extreme fear and physical symptoms, which may include:

• chest pains or heart palpitations
• difficulty breathing or choking
• dizziness
• sweating
• nausea or vomiting
• shaking, trembling, or tingling
• feeling out of control
• feeling unreal
• fear of dying or going crazy

If you have several of the above symptoms, you may have Panic Disorder.


What is a Genetic Disorder?
A genetic disorder is an illness that is inherited or runs in families. Genes are hereditary material made of DNA that is passed from parent to child. Shared genes give family members similar characteristics, such as hair and eye color. Genes may also increase the risk for certain diseases.

So, you’re studying these disorders? Why?
Our team at Columbia, led by Dr. Myrna Weissman, is trying to find the genes that make people more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder. This kind of research can eventually lead to better treatment and prevention strategies for anxiety disorders.

What does participation involve?
Several steps are involved in participation:
1. A member of our team will ask you questions to determine your eligibility for the study.
2. If you are eligible and want to participate, we will ask you to sign a consent form and fill out two brief questionnaires.
3. After you sign and return the consent forms and questionnaires, you will undergo a detailed interview with a trained clinical interviewer regarding your psychiatric and medical history.
4. We will get blood from you.

All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home. The interview can be conducted over the telephone, and we have a service that will come to you for the blood draw. We even reimburse people who participate $75 when they complete all of the steps.

All information will be kept completely confidential.

Can I participate?

If you have the symptoms of Panic Disorder
and
are 18-65 years old

Please contact us! You could be eligible to participate in our study. Your participation could help us find the genes for panic disorder.

Columbia GAFS
Kathryn Betts
Michael Machemer
David Cassanelli
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 24
New York, NY 10032
Phone: 212-543-6520 or
212-543-5078/5020
Email: gafs@childpsych.columbia.edu

We need to remind Internet users that we can not guarantee the confidentiality of inquiries submitted via email. Caution should be exercised when sending information in this format.

IRB Protocol #4495

http://www.nyspi.org