Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of panic disorders and their correlation with academic stressors among Karachi's undergraduate medical students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 undergraduate medical students from Karachi. The study took place within Dow University of Health Sciences. A total of 148 male and 148 female students participated, with a mean age of 21.6±1.5 years. Participants completed a Google Form survey including demographic data, anxiety-related questions, DSM-5 panic disorder criteria, and experiences of academic stressors.
Results: Among participants, 35.8% experienced panic disorder episodes, and 32.4% reported anxiety attacks. Panic disorders were notably more prevalent among females (p=0.005). However, no significant link between academic stressors and panic disorders was established (p=0.083).
Conclusion: The research highlights panic disorder symptoms and anxiety prevalence among medical students, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions and greater awareness.

Key words: Panic disorders, medical students, medical stressors, panic disorder attacks.