title: Effects of gradual discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in panic disorder with agoraphobia.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to explore the prevalence and features of discontinuation syndromes ensuing with gradual tapering of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in optimal clinical conditions in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Twenty-six consecutive outpatients met the DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia while taking SSRIs. Twenty remitted upon behavioural treatment. Antidepressant drugs were then tapered at the slowest possible pace and with appropriate patient education. Patients were assessed with the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) checklist 2 wk, 1 month and 1 yr after discontinuation. Nine of the 20 patients (45%) experienced a discontinuation syndrome, which subsided within a month in all but three patients who had been taking paroxetine for a long time. Discontinuation syndromes appeared to be fairly common even when performed with slow tapering and during clinical remission. In some cases disturbances persisted for months after discontinuation.
authors.affiliation: Affective Disorders Program, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy. giovanniandrea.fava@unibo.it
authors.forename: Giovanni A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomba
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rafanelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors