Long-term pharmacologic treatment of panic disorder.
In this paper, the author reviews the existing knowledge regarding the long-term treatment of panic disorder, including extensive clinical experience and data available from controlled studies. He conceptualizes long-term treatment in four phases--acute, stabilization, maintenance, and discontinuation--and in discussing these phases, outlines specific treatment goals for each of them. He presents measures for the management of withdrawal symptoms and relapse, focusing on the use of a slow taper over 3 to 6 months. The author then reviews the limited data currently available on long-term treatment outcome, including comparisons of 2 and 8 months of treatment demonstrating greater improvements with the longer treatment, and presents follow-up data 3 to 6 years after pharmacologic treatment. From clinical and research experience, he concludes that longer-term treatment of panic disorder is indicated for full recovery, although further studies are needed.
Ballenger
J C
JC
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010200:Panic
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D001569:Benzodiazepines