Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral change or ongoing worry about having other attacks. Sufferers often have intense episodes of anxiety and symptoms of agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

Case 1

A 59-year-old woman participated in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia that had persisted for 12 months despite the treatment with minor tranquilizers. The patient encountered 30 panic attacks and could not leave the house alone during the 12 months. Kami-shoyo-san (KSS) was administered in addition to minor tranquilizers. After 8 weeks of the KSS therapy, the panic attacks disappeared and the patient was accordingly relieved from anticipatory anxiety thereafter ¡V she became able to leave the house and take baths alone.

Case 2

A 53-year-old woman participated in the Kampo treatment of panic disorder that had persisted for 10 years in spite of the conventional therapy including minor or major tranquilizers and antidepressants. KSS therapy was administered with conventional medicines to the patients. After 10 weeks of treatment, the panic attacks, consisting of palpitation, dizziness, trembling, sweating and nausea, were reduced in frequency by 90%. Discontinuation of KSS for 1 month resulted in worsened conditions of panic disorders.

Reference:

1. Mantani N, Hisanaga A, Kogure T, Kita T, Shimada Y, Terasawa K. Four cases of panic disorder successfully treated with Kampo (Japanese Herbal) medicines: Kami-shoyo-san and Hange-koboku-to. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (2002). 56: 617-620.