Randomised placebo-controlled trial of moclobemide, cognitive–behavioural therapy and their combination in panic disorder with agoraphobia

BackgroundIn the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia, the efficacy of pharmacological, psychological and combined treatments has been established. Unanswered questions concern the relative efficacy of such treatments.AimsTo demonstrate that moclobemide and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective singly and more effective in combination.MethodFifty-five patients were randomly assigned to an eight-week treatment of: moclobemide plus CBT; moclobemide plus clinical management (‘psychological placebo’); placebo plus CBT; or placebo plus clinical management.ResultsComparisons between treatments revealed strong effects for CBT. Moclobemide with clinical management was not superi…