Behavioral treatment of panic-related disorders: a review

Behavioral theories and therapy techniques for panic-related disorders are reviewed. A variety of research studies and measurement techniques are discussed, and methodological issues are highlighted, particularly with respect to outcome measures and controversies in the literature regarding treatment assessments. The preponderance of treatments and research to date have examined the effects of various combinations of treatments on panic disorder. More recently, the use of behavioral therapy for panic disorders has received increasing empirical support. This paper describes treatments for panic-related disorders, especially phobic avoidance behavior, from a behavioral therapy context.