Related Experiment Videos
Treatment of panic disorder
Peter Ham1, David B Waters, M Norman Oliver
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. ph2t@virginia.edu
American Family Physician
|March 4, 2005
Summary
Effective treatments for panic disorder include antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Both are highly effective, with CBT offering a strong alternative or complement to medication for managing panic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Panic disorder is a prevalent condition encountered in primary care.
- Effective treatment strategies are crucial for managing panic disorder and associated agoraphobia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence-based treatments for panic disorder.
- To compare the efficacy of different therapeutic modalities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of evidence-based reviews on panic disorder treatments.
- Assessment of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), effectively reduce panic symptom severity and eliminate panic attacks.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) demonstrates strong effectiveness, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with antidepressants.
- Benzodiazepines offer symptomatic relief but are generally less effective than antidepressants and CBT.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressants and CBT are the primary evidence-based treatments for panic disorder.
- Treatment choice should consider side effect profiles and patient preferences.
- Referral to trained therapists for CBT is a viable option for primary care physicians.