An open trial of fluvoxamine therapy for panic disorder complicated by depression.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of fluvoxamine in the treatment of panic disorder complicated by depression was investigated in an 8-week, single-group, open-label, flexible-dose trial.


METHODS
Seventeen patients having a principal diagnosis of panic disorder and scoring 16 or more on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were treated with fluvoxamine at a mean final dose of 213 mg/ day. Outcome was assessed on measures of panic attacks, general and anticipatory anxiety, agoraphobic avoidance, depression, disability, and fear of anxiety symptoms.


RESULTS
Subjects improved on all measures except agoraphobic avoidance. Thirteen either chose to remain on fluvoxamine treatment after the study ended or resumed taking it after a brief period without medication or on another medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluvoxamine appears to be effective in this population.
Spiegel
D A
DA
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, USA.
Saeed
S A
SA
Bruce
T J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D016666:Fluvoxamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016666:Fluvoxamine