Interoceptive exposure versus breathing retraining within cognitive-behavioural therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia.
This study compared two components of a cognitive-behavioural treatment for panic disorder. Thirty-eight individuals with panic disorder and agoraphobia were randomly assigned to (a) cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure (i.e. repeated exposure to feared bodily sensations) and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations; or (b) cognitive restructuring, breathing retraining and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations. Assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment and six months later. The treatments were equally effective on many measures. However, treatment that included interoceptive exposure was more effective at post-treatment in terms of panic frequency, overall severity and functioning, and more effective at six-month follow-up in terms of panic frequency, phobic fears and general anxiety and functioning. Follow-up results were limited due to attrition.
Craske
M G
MG
Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles 90095-1563, USA.
Rowe
M
M
Lewin
M
M
Noriega-Dimitri
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D016896:Treatment Outcome