Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-656 ◽  
Author(s):  

Background: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is coordinating the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in psychiatry, funded under the National Mental Health Strategy (Australia) and the New Zealand Health Funding Authority. Method: For these guidelines, the CPG team reviewed the treatment outcome literature, consulted with practitioners and patients and conducted a meta-analysis of recent outcome research. Treatment recommendations: Education for the patient and significant others covering: (i) the nature and course of panic disorder and agoraphobia; (ii) an explanation of the psychopathology of anxiety, panic and agoraphobia; (iii) rationale for the treatment, likelihood of a positive response, and expected time frame. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is more effective and more cost-effective than medication. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors are equal in efficacy and both are to be preferred to benzodiazepines. Treatment choice depends on the skill of the clinician and the patient's circumstances. Drug treatment should be complemented by behaviour therapy. If the response to an adequate trial of a first-line treatment is poor, another evidence-based treatment should be used. A second opinion can be useful. The presence of severe agoraphobia is a negative prognostic indicator, whereas comorbid depression, if properly treated, has no consistent effect on outcome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gin S Malhi ◽  
Erica Bell ◽  
Darryl Bassett ◽  
Philip Boyce ◽  
Richard Bryant ◽  
...  

Objectives: To provide advice and guidance regarding the management of mood disorders, derived from scientific evidence and supplemented by expert clinical consensus to formulate s that maximise clinical utility. Methods: Articles and information sourced from search engines including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were supplemented by literature known to the mood disorders committee (e.g. books, book chapters and government reports) and from published depression and bipolar disorder guidelines. Relevant information was appraised and discussed in detail by members of the mood disorders committee, with a view to formulating and developing consensus-based recommendations and clinical guidance. The guidelines were subjected to rigorous consultation and external review involving: expert and clinical advisors, key stakeholders, professional bodies and specialist groups with interest in mood disorders. Results: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists mood disorders clinical practice guidelines 2020 (MDcpg2020) provide up-to-date guidance regarding the management of mood disorders that is informed by evidence and clinical experience. The guideline is intended for clinical use by psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care physicians and others with an interest in mental health care. Conclusion: The MDcpg2020 builds on the previous 2015 guidelines and maintains its joint focus on both depressive and bipolar disorders. It provides up-to-date recommendations and guidance within an evidence-based framework, supplemented by expert clinical consensus. Mood disorders committee: Gin S Malhi (Chair), Erica Bell, Darryl Bassett, Philip Boyce, Richard Bryant, Philip Hazell, Malcolm Hopwood, Bill Lyndon, Roger Mulder, Richard Porter, Ajeet B Singh and Greg Murray.


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