A SHORT-TERM OPEN TRIAL OF CLOMIPRAMINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PANIC ATTACKS

Abstract

Clomipramine was used to treat 14 patients with panic attacks. Diagnosis was made according to DSM‐III criteria for agoraphobia with panic attacks or panic disorder uncomplicated. An open evaluation of the drug over an 8‐week treatment period was conducted. A total of 10 patients completed the study. Clomipramine was effective in reducing the mean number of panic attacks, the greatest response being observed in the first 2 weeks of treatment. Findings on all outcome measures showed that clomipramine was also effective in alleviating depression secondary to panic attacks, non‐specific aspects of anxiety and improving phobic avoidance. There was a suggestion that responders to treatment receiv..