The Pharmacotherapy of Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is common and associated with significant morbidity and dysfunction. The pharmacologictreatment of panic disorder is aimed at reducing or eliminating panic attacks, avoidance behavior,anticipatory anxiety, and comorbid conditions—and substantially improving and normalizingoverall function and quality of life. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines remain the current mainstaysof pharmacotherapy for panic disorder, although other novel agents and strategies are becomingavailable and may add effective alternatives to the therapeutic armamentarium.