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Group cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder
M J Telch1, J A Lucas, N B Schmidt
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin 78704.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral group treatment significantly reduced panic disorder symptoms. Most patients achieved full recovery, demonstrating this therapy
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Panic disorder is a debilitating condition often treated with pharmacotherapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in individual treatment formats.
- Group-based interventions may offer a scalable and effective alternative for managing panic disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week cognitive-behavioral group treatment (CBT) for panic disorder.
- To compare treatment outcomes between patients receiving group CBT and those in a delayed treatment control group.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving patients diagnosed with panic disorder (DSM-III-R criteria).
- Intervention group received 8 weeks of group CBT including education, cognitive therapy, diaphragmatic breathing, and interoceptive exposure.
- Control group received delayed treatment; assessments conducted at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Posttreatment: 85% of the CBT group were panic-free versus 30% in the control group.
- Significant improvements observed in anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and fear of fear among treated patients.
- At 6 months, 63% of treated patients met recovery criteria, defined by normal functioning across panic, anxiety, and avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-behavioral group treatment is a highly effective intervention for panic disorder.
- Group CBT demonstrates comparable efficacy to individual CBT and offers a viable alternative to pharmacotherapy.
- The findings support the use of group CBT as a standard treatment option for panic disorder.
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