Cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of panic disorder

Psychiatry

Cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of panic disorder
Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 04/23/09

Manjula M et al. - Multicomponent CBI is superior to BI in terms of the amount of change it brings about with respect to panic symptoms, avoidance, safety behaviors, and cognitions.

Methods

• The sample consisted of 30 patients sequentially allotted to the CBI (n = 15) and behavioral intervention (BI, n = 15) groups.
• Assessment was done using a semistructured interview schedule, panic disorder severity scale, Texas panic attack record form, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Agoraphobic cognitions questionnaire, Behavioral avoidance checklist, and Panic appraisal inventory.
• The CBI group was provided with comprehensive cognitive behavior therapy and the BI group with psycho-education and applied relaxation.

Results

• CBI was found to be superior to BI in the reduction of panic symptoms, behavioral avoidance, safety behaviors, and cognitions.
• A large percentage of the CBI group patients met the criteria for clinically significant change with a large magnitude of change.