[An additional short-term use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics at the initial stage of the treatment of panic disorders].
To increase efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants in patients with panic attacks (PA), a benzodiazepine drug has been used at the initial stage of the treatment. In this study, 32 patients with PA (illness duration from 1,5 to 8 years) received paroxetine, an antidepressant, in dosage 20 mg daily during 12 weeks and lorazepam, a benzodiazepine drug, in dosage 2,5 mg daily during the first 6 weeks of the exacerbation period. A general somatic and neurological examination as well as a quantitative assessment of intensity of mental disorders (anxiety etc.) using corresponding scales have been conducted. A statistically significant decrease of panic attack frequency, along with anxiety and depression, supports the advantages of the combined therapy.
Vorob'eva
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D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines