Family burden and family environment: comparison between patients with panic disorder and with clinical diseases.

Aims: The objective of this study was to compare the family burden and environment of patients with panic disorder (PD) with those of a control group composed of relatives of patients with clinical diseases.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 67 relatives of patients with PD, and 66 family members of patients with clinical diseases. All patients were administered a set of instruments to assess family burden and environment.