Around half of this book (116 pages) consists of chapters outlining neurobiological theories and drug treatment. The remainder outlines psychological theories and treatments of panic disorder.

The neurobiological perspective is comprehensive. Data are presented from recent radioactive ligand single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies which suggest that alterations at the benzodiazepine-GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) receptor may be central to an understanding of the neurobiology of panic disorder, but credence is also given to information from investigations of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. In an outlining of investigations of respiratory control in panic disorder an interesting argument is developed; that the noradrenergic locus coeruleus represents part of a ‘suffocation detector’ which might be inappropriately activated in the course of a panic attack. Four chapters cover drug treatments for panic, including as widely different agents as imipramine, moclobemide, alprazolam, paroxetine and lithium. These occupy more than a third of the text - this exposition of neurobiological theorising and the results of drug treatment is comprehensive and up to date.

By contrast the chapters addressing psychological perspectives are poorly focused. A single chapter covers psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive theories, and another outlines treatments derived from them, concluding that all have their merits. This aspect of the book lacks depth and detail, and conveys the impression that psychological research and practice are ‘also rans’. Although cognitive-behavioural therapy is referred to it is barely given more coverage than other forms of treatment, despite the fact that many authorities regard it as the treatment of choice. Furthermore, the central role of behavioural experimentation and its theoretical foundations are not emphasised.

Four chapters concern nosology, epidemiology, comorbidity, clinical course and economic aspects. These remind the reader that panic disorder occurs in many cultures although details of presentation vary, that it is associated with identifiable and partly inheritable premorbid vulnerability factors, that it is poorly recognised and thus frequently left untreated, and that it is responsible for considerable economic and social disruption.

Although the editors aspire to psychobiological integration, the book favours a psychopharmacological approach. Intriguingly the range of neurobiological models and treatments offered proves to be no more focal or conclusive than the proffered range of psychological models and treatments.