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Methodologies and outcomes from the sertraline multicenter flexible-dose trials
M H Rapaport1, R M Wolkow, C M Clary
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92037, USA.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Sertraline significantly reduced panic attacks and improved symptoms in patients with panic disorder compared to placebo. This study highlights sertraline
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Panic disorder is a debilitating condition requiring effective treatments.
- Standardized assessments are crucial for evaluating panic disorder therapies.
- Previous research has explored various pharmacological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sertraline in treating panic disorder.
- To compare sertraline's effectiveness against a placebo.
- To assess the impact of sertraline on panic attack frequency and symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- Combined analysis of two identical multicenter clinical trials.
- Inclusion of patients diagnosed with panic disorder.
- Treatment arms included sertraline and placebo.
- Primary efficacy measure: mean number of panic attacks per week.
Main Results:
- Sertraline significantly reduced the mean number of panic attacks per week compared to placebo (4.8 vs. 2.5, p < .001).
- Sertraline treatment led to statistically significant improvements in panic disorder symptomatology and functioning.
- Trial design incorporated features recommended by the NIMH Consensus Conference.
Conclusions:
- Sertraline is an effective treatment for panic disorder.
- The study validates the use of standardized assessment methods in clinical trials.
- Findings support sertraline's role in managing panic disorder.