Panic disorder: A five-year follow-up study in 52 patients

Clinical outcome was investigated in 52 Swedish patients who five years ago fulfilled the DSM-III criteria for Panic disorder on admission to a double-blind placebo-controlled, multi-center study for alprazolam and imipramine. Significant improve registered at the endpoint of the previous study had remained undiminished or become more accentuated five years later. Although 85% of the patients no longer fulfilled the DSM-III criteria for Panic disorder at follow-up, 62% had occasional anxiety attacks. Despite recurrent symptoms, the majority of patients reported satisfaction with their daily life functioning. Most patients had used psychopharmacological treatments continuously or as needed during the last five years. The results show that the long term course for the majority of PD patients is favourable. However, the illness is chronic and needs treatment.