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A Controlled Study of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Buspirone or Placebo in Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Jean Cottraux ,
Ivan-Druon Note ,
Charly Cungi ,
Patrick Légeron ,
François Heim ,
Laurent Chneiweiss ,
Geneviève Bernard  and
Martine Bouvard
Jean Cottraux*
Affiliation:
Anxiety Disorder Unit, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon
Ivan-Druon Note
Affiliation:
Behaviour Therapy Unit, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille
Charly Cungi
Affiliation:
10 avenue Gantin, 74150 Rumilly
Patrick Légeron
Affiliation:
Centre Hospitalier, Villeneuve Saint Georges
François Heim
Affiliation:
Centre Médical de la Reynerie, Toulouse
Laurent Chneiweiss
Affiliation:
35 avenue de la Motte Picquet 75007, Paris
Geneviève Bernard
Affiliation:
Anxiety Disorder Unit, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France
Martine Bouvard
Affiliation:
Anxiety Disorder Unit, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France
*
Dr Cottraux, Anxiety Disorder Unit, Hôpital Neurologique, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69394 Lyon, France
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Abstract

Background

This multicentre study compared a 16-week buspirone treatment with placebo in patients presenting with panic disorder with agoraphobia and also receiving cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

Method

Double-blind testing was maintained until week 68, but not tested; 91 patients were included; 14 placebo-responders excluded; 77 patients randomised; 48 reached week 16 and 41 reached week 68.

Results

At week 16, within-group analysis showed significant improvements in agoraphobia, panic attacks, and depression in both groups. Generalised anxiety improved only in CBT + buspirone. Between-group comparisons showed buspirone to have an effect on generalised anxiety and agoraphobia. Changes in degree of agoraphobia and depression were correlated in subjects on CBT + buspirone only. A significantly higher proportion of women, and of subjects showing high avoidance dropped out. Positive expectations regarding medication predicted success in both groups. At week 68, improvement was retained without significant buspirone effect.

Conclusion

Buspirone enhanced the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy on generalised anxiety and agoraphobia in the short term.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 5 , November 1995 , pp. 635 - 641
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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