What are the key diagnostic criteria for panic disorder according to NICE guidelines?

Key diagnostic criteria for panic disorder according to NICE guidelines include:

• The diagnosis should be based on a structured clinical consultation that elicits relevant information such as personal history, any self-medication, and cultural or individual characteristics important for care planning.
• Healthcare professionals should use high-standard consultation skills to take a structured approach to diagnosis and management.
• There is no well-validated self-report screening instrument recommended by NICE for diagnosis; therefore, clinical consultation skills are essential to gather all necessary information.
• Clinicians should be alert to common comorbidities, especially depression and substance misuse, which may complicate the presentation and diagnosis.
• A panic attack alone does not constitute panic disorder; diagnosis requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks and associated behavioural changes or persistent concern about attacks.
• When a person presents with panic attacks, physical causes must be excluded through minimal necessary investigations.
• The main problems to be treated should be identified through discussion, including sequencing of comorbidities to clarify priorities.

These criteria emphasize clinical judgment and comprehensive assessment rather than reliance on screening tools for diagnosis of panic disorder in adults.

References: ¹