COURSE AND OUTCOME IN PANIC DISORDER - A REVIEW OF RECENT FOLLOW-UP-STUDIES

This paper reviews the methodologic considerations that are important in evaluating and interpreting panic disorder outcome studies and the results of the most well-designed of these studies. Sixteen studies th at used modern diagnostic criteria and interviewed at least 25 patient s on at least two occasions over a minimum follow-up period of one yea r are reviewed. Results show that, despite the availability of effecti ve anti-panic treatments, panic disorder remains a chronic illness. Wh ile most patients improve, few are ''cured.'' The presence of agorapho bia, major depression and personality disorder seems to predict poorer outcome. The important of measuring multiple clinical dimensions of p anic is emphasized, along with the need to reach a consensus about the definition of ''outcome'' and the particular instruments to use to me asure it. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.