PANIC IN AUSTRALIA

Panic disorder is widespread in Australia, often in combination with o ther psychiatric conditions such as agoraphobia or major depression. P harmacotherapy for panic disorder in Australia commenced with benzodia zepines, and later progressed to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). More recently, treatment has mov ed towards use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are effective and better tolerated. Paroxetine is the first dru g of this class to receive approval for treatment of panic disorder in Australia. (C) 1998, Elsevier, Paris.