BENZODIAZEPINES AND ANXIETY SENSITIVITY IN PANIC DISORDER

1. Benzodiazepines were discontinued in 16 patients who had recovered from panic disorder with agoraphobia after exposure treatment. 2. Drug discontinuation yielded a significant decrease in anxiety sensitivity and state anxiety in these long-term users. 3. Several likely explana tions for the findings are discussed. 4. In the short term, treatment of panic disorder with benzodiazepines may lower anxiety symptoms. How ever, in the long run, it may decrease the individual tolerance to anx iety and discomfort.