Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder.
This paper reviews the literature on the pharmacotherapy of panic disorder, in order to address the questions (1) what is the first-line pharmacotherapy of choice for panic disorder?, (2) for how long should maintenance pharmacotherapy be continued, and (3) what is the optimal approach to the treatment-refractory patient with panic disorder. A MEDLINE search (1966-2003) was undertaken to collate randomized controlled trials of pharmacotherapy in panic disorder. A review of the evidence indicates that SSRIs are currently the first line agent of choice in panic disorder, and that pharmacotherapy should be continued for at least 1 year. There has been relatively little research on the pharmacotherapy of treatment-refractory panic disorder, and this area requires future attention.
Bakker
Abraham
A
National Centre for Eating Disorders, Robert Fleury Stichting, Leidschendam, The Netherlands. A.Bakker@robertfleury.nl
van Balkom
Anton J L M
AJ
Stein
Dan J
DJ
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents