Psychopharmacological Treatment of Panic Disorder

Abstract

Social workers can use pharmacological knowledge in collaboration with physicians to treat individuals who suffer from panic disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia. An overview of research and clinical findings is provided on the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder, including information about types of appropriate medication and their dosages, efficacy, side effects, and assessment of medication effects. Recent developments in the treatment of panic disorder are presented that favor the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) over other medications because of their efficacy and less adverse side effects. Further controlled research is required to determine the long-term effects of SSRIs and to confirm their superiority over benzodiazepines (BZDs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibi tors (MAOIs) The use of alternative treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy, alone or m conjunction with psychotropic medications in treating panic disorder, is also discussed.