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Marital predictors of symptom severity in panic disorder with agoraphobia
Roger Marcaurelle1, Claude Bélanger, André Marchand
1Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, CP 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, Que., Canada H3C 3P8.
Abstract:
Twenty-six to forty percent of individuals suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) do not benefit significantly from cognitive-behavior therapy. Marital problems are among risk factors that may explain this limited impact. Some studies suggest that PDA treatment outcome is related to the couple's ability to communicate and solve problems during and after treatment. It may be also useful to further clarify the interplay of marital interpersonal variables with PDA severity before any intervention. This study aims at specifying the links between PDA symptom severity on the one hand and, on the other hand, marital adjustment, attachment style and personal problem-solving skills in both spouses. Results obtained from a group of 67 PDA patients (44 women and 23 men) and their partners showed that some PDA symptoms or comorbid depressive symptoms were more severe when both spouses independently scored low on problem-solving skills or marital adjustment, and when attachment style of PDA patients was insecure. Marital adjustment and difficulties in problem-solving, more specifically, avoidance of problem-solving activities in PDA patients, were the best predictors of PDA symptom severity. In light of these findings, a more complete program of problem-solving and acceptance strategies could be developed as part of a cognitive-behavior treatment of PDA. Other theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.