Prediction of placebo response in panic disorder: A short review

Abstract

Several placebo-controlled drug trials have shown that a substantial placebo response occurs panic disorder patients. A short review is presented with focus on recent studies on this topic. Methodological problems encountered when studying placebo phenomena are presented. Severity of the disorder at entrance into the trial, including the specific subtype of the panic disorder, is suggested to be a significant predictor of placebo response. In addition, some responders tend to improve early after start of placebo treatment. Although panic disorder often has a chronic course, most studies on placebo response have so far been carried out as short-term clinical trials. The implications for treatment in an ordinary clinical setting can therefore only be indicated with caution.