Cognitive-behavior therapy for discontinuation of SSRI treatment of panic disorder: a case series.
In this report we describe the outcome of eight outpatients with panic disorder and agoraphobia who discontinued their treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in the context of a structured, group program of cognitive-behavior therapy. All patients successfully discontinued their SSRI medication while demonstrating clinical improvement. These results were maintained at 3-month follow-up. This case series suggests that manualized CBT for discontinuation of benzodiazepine treatment for panic disorder may be successfully applied to SSRI discontinuation as well.
Whittal
M L
ML
University of British Columbia Hospital, Anxiety Disorders Unit, UBC Hospital, Vancouver, Canada. whittal@interchange.ubc.ca
Otto
M W
MW
Hong
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012008:Recurrence; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors