The prognostic significance of HPA-axis disturbance in panic disorder: a three-year follow-up.
Seventy-seven patients with DSM-III panic disorder underwent a baseline dexamethasone suppression test (DST), participated in an 8-week controlled treatment trial, and provided follow-up interviews 2-4 years later. The 20 patients who had exhibited DST nonsuppression at baseline had more symptoms of anxiety, more work and social disability, and a greater likelihood of ongoing major depression than did patients who had had normal DST results. DST nonsuppression in panic disorder apparently indicates a more persistent and chronically disabling condition.
Coryell
W
W
University of Iowa College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Iowa City 52242.
Noyes
R
R
Reich
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010200:Panic; D011379:Prognosis
D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone