Aripiprazole as Augmentation Treatment of Refractory Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder
Abstract
Introduction: Individuals with anxiety disorders often remain symptomatic despite treatment with a first-line pharmacologic agent. More research examining pharmacotherapy augmentation strategies to improve outcomes is needed. Methods: In an 8-week, open-label, prospective augmentation study, we examined the efficacy and tolerability of the novel antipsychotic agent aripiprazole for adult outpatients with generalized anxiety disorder (n=13) or panic disorder (n=10) who remained symptomatic despite treatment for at least 8 weeks with an adequate (or maximally tolerated) dose of typical pharmacotherapy. Results: Aripiprazole augmentation was associated with a significant reduction in Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scores (paired t=4.41, df=22, P<.001) in the intent-to-treat sample of 23 individuals. Three subjects (13%) discontinued due to sedation, chest discomfort, and restlessness, respectively. Conclusion: These data provide preliminary evidence that aripiprazole may be a useful augmentation strategy for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder who show a limited response to initial pharmacotherapy.
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There is no unequivocal definition of treatment-resistant panic disorder, and very heterogeneous criteria have been used across studies, making interpretation of results uncertain.
“Currently, there is no unequivocal definition of TRPD. Very heterogeneous criteria have been used across different studies, making interpretation of the results uncertain.”
From Management of Treatment-Resistant Panic Disorder (2017) · cites this paper as [15]
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- Authors
- Hoge, E. A., Worthington, J. J., Kaufman, R. E., Delong, H. R., Pollack, M. H., & Simon, N. M.
- Affiliations
- Harvard University (US)
- Venue
- CNS Spectrums
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2008-06
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 522-525
- ISSN
- 1092-8529 (ISSN-L)
- 2165-6509
- OpenAlex
- W38443713
- Cited by
- 58
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 6 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 7.25
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- CNS Spectrums (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Keywords
- aripiprazole, drug augmentation, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, antipsychotic drugs, treatment-resistant anxiety, tolerability, sedation
- MeSH terms
- Aripiprazole, Adult, Anxiety Disorders, Benzodiazepines, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Therapy, Combination, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Personality Inventory, Piperazines, Prospective Studies, Antipsychotic Agents, Anti-Anxiety Agents, Quinolones, Comorbidity, Panic Disorder, Treatment Outcome
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