Biomedical subjects

P C Marzol

Publications and source records attributed to P C Marzol.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Citalopram for social phobia: a clinical case series.

Social anxiety disorder is a common illness with significant associated disability. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have become first-line treatment given their improved tolerability; however, there are few reports on the use of citalopram. Nine consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of DSM-IV generalized social phobia were prospectively treated with citalopram. Citalopram was generally well-tolerated, and seven patients achieved responder status. This series of patients improved significantly on all measures. Results suggest that citalopram may be a safe and effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

New developments in panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a distressing and disabling disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks; anticipatory anxiety about having additional attacks; and agoraphobic fear and avoidance of situations in which attacks have occurred, ready escape is difficult, or help is unavailable in the event of an attack. It is typically associated with impairment in social, emotional, and vocational functioning, as well as excessive utilization of the medical care system. A number of pharmacologic agents and cognitive-behavioral treatments have proven effective for the treatment of panic disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are becoming first-line pharmacotherapy because of their favorable side effect profile and greater spectrum of efficacy in comparison with older classes of agents. In this article, we provide an overview of the prevalence, associated health care utilization, impairment in quality of life, and treatment of panic disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

PubMed2000

Panic: course, complications and treatment of panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a chronic condition typically associated with significant distress and disability. In addition to the acute distress associated with the panic attack itself, the disorder often leads to distressing anticipatory anxiety and phobic avoidance. Affected individuals experience significant impairment in social and vocational functioning, high utilization of medical resources, constriction of function, premature mortality and diminution in overall quality of life. Panic disorder is frequently comorbid with other conditions, particularly depression, as well as alcohol and other substance abuse, and other anxiety disorders including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. A number of pharmacological agents and cognitive-behavioural treatments have been shown to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder, with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) becoming first-line pharmacotherapy for this condition. Among these, the SSRI sertraline appears effective not only in improving symptoms of panic, but also in reducing anticipatory anxiety and improving multiple aspects of quality of life. For patients who remain partly or fully symptomatic despite adequate first-line treatment, a variety of strategies are emerging for the management of refractory conditions. We provide an overview of the prevalence, presentation and associated complications of panic disorder, review the therapeutic options and discuss the management of refractory patients.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Quality of life in patients with panic disorder.

In this study we assessed the quality of life of patients with panic disorder, with particular attention to the influence of anxiety and depression comorbidity on quality of life. Findings were compared with established general population norms as well as norms for patients with chronic medical conditions and major depression. The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered to panic disorder patients entering clinical trials or treatment in an outpatient anxiety disorders program. Subjects were 73 consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of panic disorder without current substance abuse or contributory medical illness. Their quality of life scores were compared with population mean estimates using single-sample t-tests, and the influence of comorbidity was examined with between-group comparisons. All SF-36 mental and physical health subscale scores were worse in patients with panic disorder than in the general population. This was true regardless of the presence of comorbid anxiety or mood disorders, although the presence of the comorbid conditions worsened select areas of functioning according to subscale analyses. SF-36 scores in panic patients were at approximately the same level as patients with major depression and tended to be worse in specific areas than patients with select medical conditions. This study provides evidence of the pervasive negative effects of panic disorder on both mental and physical health.

Adult↗