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Imipramine for vestibular dysfunction in panic disorder: a prospective case series.
Marco Andre Mezzasalma1, Kátia de Vasconcellos Mathias, Isabella Nascimento
1Panic and Respiration Laboratory, Psychiatric Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. mmezza@uol.com.br
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|May 4, 2011
Summary
Imipramine treatment significantly reduced anxiety and dizziness symptoms in patients with comorbid panic disorder and chronic dizziness. This 3-month course improved patients' quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Comorbid chronic dizziness and panic disorder significantly impact quality of life.
- Effective treatment strategies for this comorbidity are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of imipramine in treating patients with comorbid chronic dizziness and panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia associated with chronic dizziness received a 3-month course of imipramine.
- Anxiety, dizziness, and panic severity were assessed using standardized scales (HAM-A, DHI, CGI).
Main Results:
- Imipramine treatment led to significant reductions in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores (p=0.008).
- Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores also significantly decreased (p=0.008), indicating reduced dizziness impact.
- Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores showed significant improvement (p=0.011).
Conclusions:
- Imipramine is effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients with comorbid chronic dizziness and panic disorder.
- A 3-month imipramine treatment course improves the quality of life by decreasing the impact of dizziness.
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