One-year follow-up of pharmacotherapy-resistant patients with panic disorder treated with cognitive-behavior therapy: Outcome and predictors of remission.
Non-response to pharmacotherapy for panic disorder (PD) is a well-documented problem. However, little information exists to guide next-step strategies for these non-responders. In addition to pharmacologic augmentation strategies, several studies support the efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for these patients, although data on long-term outcomes has been lacking. In this study, we provide one-year outcomes on a sample of 63 patients who completed group CBT for PD after failing to respond adequately to previous pharmacotherapy. Sustained significant benefit was found for all dimensional outcome scores, and nearly two-thirds of the sample met remission criteria. This occurred with reductions in medication use over the follow-up period. Negative predictors of remission status included comorbid dysthymia, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. These results provide additional evidence for the efficacy of CBT for medication non-responders with PD.
Heldt
Elizeth
E
Anxiety Disorders Program, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS and Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Gus Manfro
Gisele
G
Kipper
Leticia
L
Blaya
Carolina
C
Isolan
Luciano
L
Otto
Michael W
MW
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents