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Related Experiment Videos

Placebo response in panic disorder.

W Coryell1, R Noyes

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

The American Journal of Psychiatry
|September 1, 1988
PubMed
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Approximately 25% of patients with panic disorder experienced significant improvement with placebo treatment over 8 weeks. Normal dexamethasone suppression tests and lower initial anxiety predicted a better placebo response in panic disorder patients.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Panic disorder and agoraphobia are characterized by recurrent panic attacks.
  • The placebo effect is a well-documented phenomenon in psychiatric research.
  • Dexamethasone suppression test (DST) abnormalities have been observed in some patients with mood and anxiety disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the rate of placebo response in patients with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks.
  • To identify predictors of placebo response in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted.
  • A total of 43 patients with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks received placebo for 8 weeks.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Dexamethasone suppression test results and initial anxiety ratings were assessed.

    • Main Results:

    • One in four (approximately 25%) of the patients showed marked improvement during the 8-week placebo period.
    • Patients with consistently normal dexamethasone suppression test results were significantly more likely to exhibit a placebo response.
    • Lower baseline anxiety ratings were also associated with a greater likelihood of a positive placebo response.

    Conclusions:

    • A significant proportion of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia may experience clinical improvement with placebo.
    • Baseline dexamethasone suppression test status and anxiety levels are potential predictors of placebo response in these disorders.
    • These findings highlight the importance of considering placebo effects in the interpretation of treatment outcomes for panic disorder and agoraphobia.