Benzodiazepines and anxiety sensitivity in panic disorder.
1. Benzodiazepines were discontinued in 16 patients who had recovered from panic disorder with agoraphobia after exposure treatment. 2. Drug discontinuation yielded a significant decrease in anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety in these long-term users. 3. Several likely explanations for the findings are discussed. 4. In the short term, treatment of panic disorder with benzodiazepines may lower anxiety symptoms. However, in the long run, it may decrease the individual tolerance to anxiety and discomfort.
Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
G A
GA
Fava
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S
Grandi
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P
Belluardo
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G
Savron
A R
AR
Raffi
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Conti
F M
FM
Saviotti
D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines