title: A pilot study of cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder augmented by panic surfing.
abstract: This pilot study reports the outcome of cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder augmented by panic surfing. This treatment approach encourages acceptance of feelings rather than control of symptoms and anxiety, at the same time also targeting catastrophic misinterpretations, bodily vigilance and safety-seeking behaviours. Eighteen participants completed a brief group treatment for panic disorder incorporating psychoeducation, panic surfing, interoceptive exposure, graded exposure and cognitive restructuring. Significant improvements occurred over the course of this treatment and were maintained at a 1-month follow-up. Results suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy augmented by panic surfing may be effective in the treatment of panic disorder, but there is a need for controlled studies and investigation of the relative contribution of its various components.
authors.affiliation: Nepean Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Sydney West Area Health Service, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lamplugh
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berle
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Milicevic
authors.forename: Vladan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Starcevic
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome