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Efficacy of Combined Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy Versus Monotherapy in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Donald W. Black
Donald W. Black*
Affiliation:
Dr. Black is professor of psychiatry at the, University of Iowa, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City
*
Donald W. Black, MD, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 2-126-B Medical Education Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1000; Tel: 319-353-4431; Fax: 319-353-3003; E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Anxiety disorders in the United States are prevalent, widespread, and disabling. These illnesses may account for almost one third of the $148 billion total mental health bill each year. Pharmacologic options include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and anxiolytics. Psychological treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive therapy, exposure, and ritual prevention therapies. Despite insufficient evidence, many experts recommend combined treatment, generally medication with CBT. A literature review was conducted to examine studies with random assignment, adequate methods and sample sizes, blind assessments, sufficient dosages and durations of treatment, and satisfactory reporting of data, to determine whether combined treatment was superior to monotherapy. Twenty-six randomized clinical trials were identified; nine met review criteria. A review of relevant studies could not confirm the superiority of combined treatment over monotherapy. In one of four studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder, combined treatment produced better results than monotherapy.  There was no evidence of superiority for combined therapy over monotherapy for the treatment of social phobia or generalized anxiety disorder. There were no studies that met review criteria for either specific phobia or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With panic disorder, there was evidence that combined treatment might actually lead to worse outcome. Combined treatment is commonly recommended, but empirical support is limited. More research is needed. There are few well-designed studies, and little data regarding PTSD and specific phobias.

Type
Research Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 11 , Issue S12 , 2006 , pp. 29 - 33
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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