A psychopharmacologist's perspective on panic disorder.
In the "medical model" view of panic disorder, essential concepts are (1) constitutional vulnerability to disorder and (2) the unique "pathogenic" propensity of a panic attack to generate an array of biobehavioral complications. The normal fear-security system is activated at low threshold or is vulnerable to dysregulation, a vulnerability that is triggered by life events and modified through developmental experience. The author describes the current medical model of panic disorder and then reviews psychopharmacological treatment options and their advantages and disadvantages.
Rosenbaum
J F
JF
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005239:Fear / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010200:Panic / Q000187:drug effects*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines