Psychiatry Research EG

What are the symptoms of panic disorder and how is the disorder most effectively treated ? One of the most commonly encountered anxiety disorders in the primary care setting, panic disorder is a chronic and debilitating illness. The core symptoms are recurrent panic attacks coupled with anticipatory anxiety and phobic avoidance, which together impair the patients professional social and familial functioning. Patients with panic disorder have medically unexplained symptoms that lead to overutilization of healthcare services. Panic disorder is often comorbid with agoraphobia and major depression and patients may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly suicide. Research into the optimal treatment of this disorder has been undertaken in the past 2 decades and numerous randomized controlled trials have been published. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have emerged as the most favorable treatment as they have a beneficial side-effect profile are relatively safe (even if taken in overdose) and do not produce physical dependency. High-potency benzodiazepines reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants have also shown antipanic efficacy. In addition cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated efficacy in the acute and long-term treatment of panic disorder. An integrated treatment approach that combines pharmacotherapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy may provide the best treatment. Long-term efficacy and ease of use are important considerations in treatment selection as maintenance treatment is recommended for at least 12-24 months and in some cases indefinitely.