The pharmacotherapy of panic disorder

The biological model for panic disorder posits a specific, genetically inherent neurochemical dysfunction; pharmacological treatment attempts to reregulate the dysregulated physiological system, thereby achieving remission (or, ideally, recovery) or amelioration of the symptoms sufficient for nonpharmacological therapies to be viable. This article will review the evidence of the efficacy of single classes of pharmacological agents (antidepressants, including TCAs, MAOIs, and SSRIs; benzodiazepines; and other agents) and integrated treatments, involving coadministration of medications within or across classes or a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Research pertaining to the relative efficacy of administering combination treatments concurrently or sequentially is examined. Individualized treatment plans for patients maximize the benefits of integrated treatments.