Meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for patients with panic disorders

Abstract

SYNOPSIS: Meta-analysis of 19 double-blind placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants (N = 13) and benzodiazepines (N = 6) for patients with panic disorders showed that active treatment had 25% greater success rate than placebo over a mean duration of 14 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences observed between treatment sub-groups (antidepressants – mean duration 16 weeks; and benzodiazepines – mean duration 7 weeks). On this basis antidepressants and benzodiazepines prescribed in clinical settings are likely to be equally effective in the short-term treatment of people with panic disorders.