Efficacy and safety of hangekobokuto (Banxia‐houpo‐tang) in treating panic disorder: A pilot study

Abstract

AbstractAimThe prevalence of panic disorder in patients with comorbidities is higher than in the general population. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, the common pharmacotherapy, can cause adverse effects in the patients. To research other options, we report a retrospective pilot study on hangekobokuto in treating panic disorder.MethodsWe reviewed the data of consecutive cases with panic disorder treated with hangekobokuto from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2021 at Kindai University Nara Hospital. The changes in the symptoms, assessed by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), and adverse events were investigated.ResultsThe total number of patients was 35 (8 males and 27 females). The median and the interquartile range (IQR) of age (years old) were 50 and 42.5–70. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of PDSS score were initially 14.51/28 (±4.76). They changed to 10.91/28 (±6.11) after one month, then 9.40/28 (±6.99) after three months (p < 0.05). After one month 19 patients (54.3%) and after three months 23 patients (65.7%) saw an improvement with a decrease of PDSS score equal to or more than three points from the baseline. The middle‐aged group seemed to have shown the highest response to hangekobokuto. As adverse effects, one patient reported nausea and another diarrhea.ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of hangekobokuto for panic disorder are suggested in our study, but more research will be necessary.