OPTIMUM TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder is characterised by the recurrence of acute, unpredictable panic attacks, with associated fear and physiological arousal. The disorder is very common among the general population and has a high rate of associated morbidity and mortality when not treated. Both pharmacological and psychological treatment approaches an effective in alleviating symptoms of panic attacks. Various psychological treatment approaches have been advocated, with cognitive-behavioural treatment the most systematically studied and applied. A wide range of pharmacological agents are useful in treating attacks, and differ primarily in adverse effect profile, latency of onset and potential for abuse or addiction. Available agents include tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors and benzodiazepines. We consider long term use of SSRIs, in conjunction with benzodiazepines for the short term relief of symptoms, to be the optimum pharmacological management of panic disorder.