Managing long-term therapy for panic disorder.

Diagnostic criteria for panic disorder have been well defined; but treatment modalities, less so. Combined psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is the most effective treatment for these disorders. Benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and other medications have been found effective in clinical studies. Alprazolam, a triazolo analog of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class, recently was proved effective in a cross-national study involving approximately 1700 patients, with minimal side effects. Therapy with the medication is advised for at least 6 months. Medications should be tapered over a prolonged period, at least 8 weeks, especially where high doses are employed.