[An additional short-term use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics at the initial stage of the treatment of panic disorders].

Abstract

To increase efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants in patients with panic attacks (PA), a benzodiazepine drug has been used at the initial stage of the treatment. In this study, 32 patients with PA (illness duration from 1,5 to 8 years) received paroxetine, an antidepressant, in dosage 20 mg daily during 12 weeks and lorazepam, a benzodiazepine drug, in dosage 2,5 mg daily during the first 6 weeks of the exacerbation period. A general somatic and neurological examination as well as a quantitative assessment of intensity of mental disorders (anxiety etc.) using corresponding scales have been conducted. A statistically significant decrease of panic attack frequency, along with anxiety and depression, supports the advantages of the combined therapy.

• Authors: O V Vorob'eva
• Journal: Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova) Vol. 106 Issue 11 Pg. 39-41 ( 2006) ISSN: 1997-7298 [Print] Russia (Federation)
• PMID: 17176601 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Benzodiazepines

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (therapeutic use)
• Benzodiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Panic Disorder (drug therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome