Meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for patients with panic disorders.
Meta-analysis of 19 double-blind placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants (N = 13) and benzodiazepines (N = 6) for patients with panic disorders showed that active treatment had 25% greater success rate than placebo over a mean duration of 14 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences observed between treatment sub-groups (antidepressants--mean duration 16 weeks; and benzodiazepines--mean duration 7 weeks). On this basis antidepressants and benzodiazepines prescribed in clinical settings are likely to be equally effective in the short-term treatment of people with panic disorders.
Academic Sub-department of Psychological Medicine, North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, Wales, UK.
G
G
Wilkinson
M
M
Balestrieri
M
M
Ruggeri
C
C
Bellantuono
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines