Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Panic disorder is characterized by occurrence of unexpected panic attack symptoms often accompanied by a strong fear of death. More than half of patients seen in clinical settings also suffer from agoraphobia, i.e. fear of certain situations where help may not be available should panic attacks occur. Pharmacological (e.g. antidepressants and benzodiazepines) and psychological (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy etc.) treatments have been shown to be effective for panic disorder. Although the efficacy of combination of psychological treatments with antidepressants is now being examined [1], combination of psychological treatments with benzodiazepines needs detailed examination to test their efficacy in the treatments of panic disorder, particularly since they may be associated with withdrawal symptoms.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess efficacy of combined treatment by psychotherapy and benzodiazepines in comparison with either therapy alone in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
Methods: We searched the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Registers (searched 22 January 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004) and reference lists of articles. We will also contact manufacturers and researchers in the field.
All relevant randomized comparing efficacy of combined treatment by psychotherapy and benzodiazepines with either therapy alone in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia will be included.
Two reviewers will independently assess trial quality and extracted data. Study authors will be contacted for additional information of unpublished data. Adverse effects information will be collected from the trials.
Results and Conclusions: The results and conclusions of this review will be available for presentation at the colloquium.
Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the CCDAN editorial team for advice and assistance.
References: 1. Furukawa T, Churchill R, Watanabe N. Combined psychotherapy plus antidepressants for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (Protocol for a Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess efficacy of combined treatment by psychotherapy and benzodiazepines in comparison with either therapy alone in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
Methods: We searched the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Registers (searched 22 January 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004) and reference lists of articles. We will also contact manufacturers and researchers in the field.
All relevant randomized comparing efficacy of combined treatment by psychotherapy and benzodiazepines with either therapy alone in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia will be included.
Two reviewers will independently assess trial quality and extracted data. Study authors will be contacted for additional information of unpublished data. Adverse effects information will be collected from the trials.
Results and Conclusions: The results and conclusions of this review will be available for presentation at the colloquium.
Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the CCDAN editorial team for advice and assistance.
References: 1. Furukawa T, Churchill R, Watanabe N. Combined psychotherapy plus antidepressants for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (Protocol for a Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.