[Group psychotherapy in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia]

The one-year supportive group-psychotherapy (3 groups with 8-9 patients) was carried out once-weekly by two therapists in 26 patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Patients filled in various ratings at the beginning and at the end of the therapy and a visual analog scale before as well as after each session. Twelve months after the end of the group-therapy the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE) was carried out. During the group-psychotherapy panic sensations, anxiety, nervousness and fears as well as psychosocial disability decreased. Duration of illness affected the reduction of panic sensations, anxiety, nervousness and fears during the first 6 months of the group-psychotherapy. Phobic fears and avoidance behavior mostly improved in patients with a duration of illness of more than 5 years and an additional depressive disorder. At the one-year follow-up 80% of panic patients without depressive disorder were symptom-free and reported better partner-relationships, more satisfaction, and a better social adjustment compared with panic patients with concomitant depressive disorders.