title: Cognitive-behavioral group psychotherapy for agoraphobia and panic disorder.
abstract: Agoraphobia is a complex disorder characterized by substantial personal, social, and occupational disability. This paper presents a cognitive-behavioral model of group psychotherapy for agoraphobia treatment wherein group members are taught active coping skills to reduce anxiety and behavioral avoidance. Therapy occurs in the context of a supportive group, which aids in reducing the social isolation and alienation attendant on this severe anxiety disorder. The model of treatment is amenable to both time-limited and open-ended group therapy formats.
authors.affiliation: Outpatient Mental Health Service, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, MA 02162, USA.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Belfer
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Munoz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schachter
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Levendusky
mesh_terms: D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support