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

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 received lower doses of clomipramine than non-responders. Further studies are required to evaluate this issue and the role of clomipramine in the treatment of panic disorders.