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Paroxetine in the Treatment of Panic Disorder a Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

S. Oehrberg ,
P. E. Christiansen ,
K. Behnke ,
A. L. Borup ,
B. Severin ,
J. Soegaard ,
H. Calberg ,
R. Judge ,
J. K. Ohrstrom  and
P. M. Manniche
S. Oehrberg
Affiliation:
Vor Frue Straede 4, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
P. E. Christiansen
Affiliation:
Rosenkrantzgade 2, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
K. Behnke
Affiliation:
Falkoner Alle 112, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
A. L. Borup
Affiliation:
Radhusvej 12, DK-4180 Soroe, Denmark
B. Severin
Affiliation:
Noerrebrogade, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
J. Soegaard
Affiliation:
Algade 63C, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
H. Calberg
Affiliation:
Idraetsvej 101, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
R. Judge*
Affiliation:
Novo Nordisk A/S, Krogshoejvej 41, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
J. K. Ohrstrom
Affiliation:
SmithKline Beecham, New Frontier Science Park South, Harlow, Essex
P. M. Manniche
Affiliation:
Novo Nordisk A/S, Krogshoejvej 41, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
*
Dr R. Judge, CNS Therapeutic Unit, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, New Frontier Science Park South, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex CM19 5AG
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Abstract

Background

This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine with placebo in the treatment of panic disorder.

Method

After three weeks of placebo, patients received 12 weeks of treatment with paroxetine (20, 40, or 60 mg) or placebo, and finally two weeks of placebo. Dosages were adjusted according to efficacy and tolerability. Standardised cognitive therapy was given to all patients. The primary measure of outcome was reduction in the number of panic attacks.

Results

Analysis of the results showed statistically significant differences in favour of paroxetine between the two treatment groups in two out of the three primary measures of outcome, i.e. 50% reduction in total number of panic attacks and number of panic attacks reduced to one or zero over the study period. For the third measure of outcome, the mean change in the total number of attacks from baseline, there was a positive trend in favour of paroxetine. The results of the primary measures of outcome were strongly supported by the results of the secondary efficacy measures of outcome. In addition, paroxetine, at all doses, was very well tolerated.

Conclusion

Paroxetine plus cognitive therapy was significantly more effective than placebo plus cognitive therapy in the treatment of panic disorder.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 3 , September 1995 , pp. 374 - 379
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

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