Behavior therapy for panic disorder.
Eleven patients who met DSM-III criteria for panic disorder were treated with behavior therapy techniques. Seven patients had mixed phobic avoidance and none were agoraphobic; three had no phobic symptoms. Mean duration of symptoms was 3.4 years. Treatment lasted a mean of 14 weeks and consisted of 1) education about physiology and management of panic symptoms; 2) relaxation, abdominal breathing, and cognitive anxiety management skills; and 3) imaginal and in vivo exposure. Upon termination of treatment, 10 of 11 patients were panic-free and six of seven mixed phobics showed complete remission or significant improvement of phobias. Follow-up data revealed excellent stability of remission. Clinical implications for the use of behavior therapy for panic disorder and directions for future research are discussed.
Gitlin
B
B
Martin
J
J
Shear
M K
MK
Frances
A
A
Ball
G
G
Josephson
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010200:Panic; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012119:Respiration