Outcome of panic disorder with or without concomitant depression: A 2-year prospective follow-up study

In a prospective 2-year follow-up study, 32 patients with panic disorder alone and 20 with panic disorder and concomitant depression were investigated. After controlled treatment with either imipramine or doxepin, patients received naturalistic treatment with antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and supportive psychotherapy. They were evaluated for anxiety, depression, and social disability at least every 3 months during the follow-up period. The data showed fluctuation of symptoms in both groups and a less favorable outcome for the patients with comorbid conditions. However, the overall outcome was better than that reported in other studies and indicates that panic disorder is quite responsive to appropriate treatment.