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Benzodiazepines and anxiety sensitivity in panic disorder
G A Fava1, S Grandi, P Belluardo
1Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Discontinuing benzodiazepines after recovery from panic disorder with agoraphobia significantly reduced anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety. Long-term benzodiazepine use may impair anxiety tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia is a debilitating condition.
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for panic disorder.
- Long-term effects of benzodiazepine use on anxiety tolerance are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of benzodiazepine discontinuation on anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety in patients recovered from panic disorder with agoraphobia.
- To explore the long-term consequences of benzodiazepine treatment for panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 16 patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia who had successfully completed exposure treatment were included.
- Benzodiazepine medication was discontinued in these patients.
- Anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety levels were measured before and after discontinuation.
Main Results:
- Discontinuation of benzodiazepines resulted in a significant decrease in both anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety.
- These findings suggest that long-term benzodiazepine use may negatively impact an individual's ability to tolerate anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepine discontinuation is feasible and beneficial for recovered panic disorder patients.
- Long-term benzodiazepine treatment may reduce anxiety tolerance, potentially hindering recovery.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects.