Treatment-outcome research in panic disorder: dilemmas in reconciling the demands of pharmacological and psychological methodologies.
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia has been the subject of sustained treatment-outcome research. Studies have been conducted by both pharmacologically- and psychologically-oriented researchers each employing their own methodologies. Problems arise in attempting to reconcile the demands of these two treatment-outcome methodologies, whilst at the same time ensuring that research designs reflect the reality of wider clinical practice. In the following discussion a series of studies comparing pharmacological and psychological treatments for panic disorder and agoraphobia are reviewed. The review highlights areas where the competing demands of research design and clinical applicability lead to dilemmas for the researcher. Attempts to overcome such dilemmas are described and alternative solutions discussed.
Sharp
D M
DM
Anxiety and Stress Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, UK. d.m.sharp@stir.ac.uk
Power
K G
KG
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents