Psychopharmacological treatment of panic disorder and related states: a placebo controlled study of alprazolam.

The paper consists of two parts. A review of the relationship of panic disorder to the phobic states and the treatment of these disorders by means of tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, beta blocking drugs and benzodiazepines. A double blind study of alprazolam and placebo in 118 patients with agoraphobia and panic is presented. In an eight week study alprazolam was found to be significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of panic attacks, phobic avoidance, anticipatory anxiety and general anxiety.