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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Older Panic Disorder Patients
Pamela J Swales1, Jerry F Solfvin1, Javaid I Sheikh1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral therapy effectively treated panic disorder in older adults. This 12-week treatment showed significant improvements across cognitive, behavioral, and emotional domains, with lasting effects at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) efficacy for panic disorder in older adults.
- Panic disorder affects older adults, necessitating tailored therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of CBT for panic disorder in community-dwelling older adults.
- To assess treatment outcomes across multiple domains including cognitive, behavioral, and affective.
- To determine the durability of treatment effects at a 3-month follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 20 older adults (15 completers) meeting DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder participated.
- Participants received 10 sessions of CBT over a 12-week period.
- Self-report measures assessed cognitive, behavioral, physiological, affective, and global functioning.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment across all assessed domains.
- These positive outcomes were maintained at the 3-month follow-up assessment.
- The treatment demonstrated efficacy in reducing panic disorder symptoms in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an efficacious treatment for panic disorder in older adults.
- The study supports the use of CBT for this demographic, addressing a gap in geriatric mental health research.
- Findings suggest CBT offers sustained benefits for older individuals with panic disorder.
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