Treating panic symptoms within everyday clinical settings: the feasibility of a group cognitive behavioural intervention.
Panic disorder is a common and debilitating disorder that has a prevalence rate of 3-5% in the general population. Cognitive-behavioural interventions have been shown to be an efficacious treatment for panic, although a limited number of studies have examined the effectiveness of such interventions implemented in everyday clinical settings. The aim of the following pilot study was to examine the feasibility of a brief group cognitive-behavioural intervention carried out in a clinical setting. Salient issues in determining feasibility include: representativeness of patient group treated, amount of significant clinical change displayed and resources required to carry out the intervention. A small sample of GP-referred patients displaying panic symptoms completed a 2-week intensive cognitive-behavioural intervention. Results collected post-intervention revealed significant clinical reductions in panic, anxiety and depressive symptoms and marked improvement in mobility. These improvements were maintained at 12-month follow-up. Outcomes supported the feasibility of a brief group cognitive-behavioural intervention for GP-referred patients. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of implementing effective treatments in everyday clinical practice and developing a stepped care approach to treating panic symptoms.
Austin
Stephen F
SF
Centre for Cognitive Therapy, Department M, St. Hans Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
Sumbundu
Antonia D
AD
Lykke
Jørn
J
Oestrich
Irene H
IH
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult