Electronic Resource
Springer
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience
238 (1989), S. 268-279
ISSN:
1433-8491
Keywords:
Agoraphobia
;
Panic
;
Phobic disorders
;
Tricyclic antidepressants
;
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In this paper we discuss the theory that agoraphobic avoidances are central and spontaneous panics an epiphenomenon to the development of agoraphobia. Moreover we discuss the theory that posits a fixed cognitive-catastrophizing set as causal for panic. We conclude these theories do not fit the facts. We argue that it is important to distinguish between spontaneous panic and chronic or anticipatory anxiety and avoidance. Such a distinction allows for an understanding of the roles of anti-spontaneous panic medications such as tricyclics and MAOI's, as well as exposure therapy, in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia. The former serves the purpose of blocking panic attacks while the latter undermines phobic avoidance, but only after the panic attacks have ceased through proper medication. We conclude that recognizing the key role of spontaneous panic and its variants in anxiety nosology is a necessary guide for etiological, psychophysiological and therapeutic research in this rapidly developing area.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00449808
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