| The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), located in | | | | studies by the NIMH. If left untreated, attacks can |
| Bethesda MD, is the largest mental health facility in the | | | | develop some devastating side effects. (See "Panic |
| world. Among the many active studies they conduct is | | | | Attack Worst -Case Scenarios" by Nick Adams.) |
| research into panic attack disorder, the condition in | | | | The NIMH lists eight current studies that span groups |
| which the brain sends a false message to the body | | | | of children from age nine, adolescent groups and adults |
| that there is immediate and dire danger causing rapid | | | | to age 60. Studies are being conducted in the following |
| heartbeat, shortness of breath, tingling or shakiness in | | | | cities, with some studies being done in multiple cities:o |
| the hands and legs and abdominal distress among | | | | Bethesda, MD (outside Washington, DC)o La Jolla, |
| other symptoms. An attack renders the sufferer | | | | CAo Richmond, VAo Boston, MAo Fayetteville, ARo |
| unable to function properly during the attack and weak | | | | Atlanta, GAo Philadelphia, PAo New York, NY |
| and drained after the attack passes. | | | | For more information on these studies, please visit To |
| Six million American adults will experience attacks this | | | | find out if you qualify for participation call 301-496-5645 |
| year, twice as many women as men, with the | | | | or email .gov. In some cases, travel and lodging |
| average age of onset at 24 years old. The highest | | | | assistance is provided. |
| onset group, adolescents 13 to 19 years old, is not | | | | Participation in studies are instrumental to further |
| represented in the six million so the number of victims | | | | understanding the underlying causes of panic attack |
| is actually higher. | | | | and helping science find even better treatments. |
| It is not surprising that panic attacks are targeted for | | | | |