OPTIMUM TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder is characterised by the recurrence of acute, unpredicta ble panic attacks, with associated fear and physiological arousal. The disorder is very common among the general population and has a high r ate of associated morbidity and mortality when not treated. Both pharm acological and psychological treatment approaches an effective in alle viating symptoms of panic attacks. Various psychological treatment app roaches have been advocated, with cognitive-behavioural treatment the most systematically studied and applied. A wide range of pharmacologic al agents are useful in treating attacks, and differ primarily in adve rse effect profile, latency of onset and potential for abuse or addict ion. Available agents include tricyclic antidepressants, selective ser otonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors and b enzodiazepines. We consider long term use of SSRIs, in conjunction wit h benzodiazepines for the short term relief of symptoms, to be the opt imum pharmacological management of panic disorder.