can still's disease cause panic disorder?

Last year, my husband (25) was diagnosed with Still's disease.  He had very high, spiking fevers which occured at the same time every night and his liver enzymes were elevated.  After many tests that were negative, the doctor said it had to be Stills disease.  He has not had a high fever since last year; however, his liver enzymes are still elevated and we don't know why.  Two months ago, he started having panic attacks.  He has lost all feelings for me and his family, to the point that he wants to seperate.    I have many questions but I guess the easiest is: Can stills disease cause panic attacks or are they related in any way?  and Will panic disorder cause him to feel a lack of emotion?  He took a trail sample of Zoloft but said that it was harder for him to control the attacks while taking it.  So, he is not currently on any medication.  He is not seeing a psychologist, either.  What is your advice for me in dealing with the situation. I want to help him in any way I can.  We, both, want to get to the bottom of his health problems.  It seems like he has been through every test and still nothing is wrong with him.  Thank you for any information you can send.

[HFHS MD-JM]

Jill,

    Your husband has been diagnosed with Still's disease which is a form of arthritis usually of systemic onset generally with a good prognosis for complete recovery.  Also your husband is reported to be experiencing panic attacks for two months time.  After reviewing the literature on Still's disease and panic disorder I have found no relation.
    Recurrent unexpected and later on situationally predisposed panic attacks(ie Panic disorder) can occur on their own.  Your husband may be experiencing two seperate problems--a medical problem(Still's disease and elevated liver enzymes) and an anxiety/depression problem.  It does seem clear that there is a significant depression occuring.
     I recommend that your husband see a psychiatrist for further evaluation.  Medication likke Zoloft can be very helpful but need to be started at a low dose(25 mg) so as not to exacerbate anxiety at initiation.  Hope this was helpful.  Keep in mind that this information is intended for educational purposes only and your husband should follow up with his personal physician .

Sincerely,  

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords:  Still's disease, panic disorder

[NRO-Sx]

Dear Jill:
Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) per se does not cause panic disorder, however some of the treatments for Still's disease can. Is your husband taking intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclo- phosphamide, azathioprine, alpha-interferon, or any other medications?  I can give you a better answer if I have this info.

[Jill]

Thank you for your prompt reply.  No, my husband has not had to take any medication.  He was taking zanax for anziety attacks last year but not on a regular basis.

[wondering]

who is NRO-sx? a doc in the forum or good fairy helping out?