Mechanisms of change in cognitive therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia.
The purpose of this study was to test the predictions of an integrated cognitive and behavioral model of agoraphobic avoidance in patients with chronic panic disorder and agoraphobia during the process of observed therapeutic change. Treatment was residential with the majority (n=165, 88%) receiving cognitive therapy, while the remaining 23 (12%) received guided mastery therapy. The results of latent variable path modeling of the changes occurring over the course of this treatment suggested that the anxiety elicited by bodily sensations influenced catastrophic beliefs, which, in turn, increased avoidance. Avoidance increased the anxiety elicited by bodily sensations.
Hoffart
Asle
A
Research Institute, Modum Bad, N-3370 Vikersund, Norway. asle.hoffart@modum-bad.no
Sexton
Harold
H
Hedley
Liv M
LM
Martinsen
Egil W
EW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003214:Conditioning, Classical / Q000502:physiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires