Cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder in adolescence.
This investigation represents the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Panic Control Treatment for Adolescents (PCT-A). Thirteen adolescents, ages 14 to 17, were randomized to 11 weekly sessions of PCT-A treatment, whereas 13 were randomized to a self-monitoring control group. Results indicate that adolescents receiving immediate PCT-A showed a significant reduction in clinician-rated severity of panic disorder and in self-reported anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and depression, in comparison to control group participants. These treatment gains were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Clinical severity of panic continued to improve from posttreatment to 3-month follow-up and then remained stable at 6-month follow-up. In light of study limitations, these findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder in adolescence is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for this debilitating condition in youth.
Pincus
Donna B
DB
Boston University, Boston, MA, USA. dpincus@bu.edu
May
Jill Ehrenreich
JE
Whitton
Sarah W
SW
Mattis
Sara G
SG
Barlow
David H
DH
D000293:Adolescent; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000379:methods; D057566:Self Report; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome