The relationship between panic disorder and smoking is a subject of clinical interest. This association was reviewed using the MEDLINE system (for the period 1980-2001). The following key words were used: "smoking", "tobacco", "panic disorder", "anxiety disorders". The references found in the articles were also consulted. In two clinical cases assessed in the Laboratory of Panic & Respiration, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it was found a close relationship between smoking and panic disorder. In both cases there was an improvement in anxiety, panic attacks and nicotine withdrawn symptoms after the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. Further studies can explain the possible existence of common etiopathogenic mechanisms and address specific therapeutic issues between panic disorder and smoking.
Smoking; Tobacco; Panic disorder; Anxiety disorders