title: Cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms: a case study.
abstract: A 25-year-old woman with a 12-year history of panic disorder with agoraphobia and gastrointestinal symptoms was treated using a cognitive-behavioral program which included: (a) correcting misconceptions about normal bowel functioning, (b) graduated in vivo exposure to internal stimuli which she misinterpreted as precursors of loss of bowel control, (c) graduated in vivo exposure to external stimuli associated with fears of loss of bowel control, (d) establishment of regular eating patterns, and (e) bowel control training. Self-ratings of avoidance and distress, frequency of panic attacks, diazepam use, and negative cognitions decreased with treatment. Treatment gains were maintained at 18-month follow-up. Tailoring of cognitive-behavioral treatment to panic with fears of loss of bowel control was emphasized.
authors.affiliation: University of Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Eldridge
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Holborn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D003975:Diazepam