Related Experiment Videos
Catastrophic cognitions in panic disorder with and without agoraphobia
1School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Clinical Psychology Review
|July 4, 1998
Summary
Cognitive models explain panic disorder (PD) and panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) through catastrophic misinterpretations. This review confirms substantial evidence supporting the crucial role of catastrophic cognitions in maintaining these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Cognitive models are widely accepted for understanding panic disorder (PD) and panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA).
- These models suggest that catastrophic misinterpretation of internal or external cues maintains panic symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review empirical evidence supporting the role of catastrophic cognitions in PD and PDA.
- To evaluate the contribution of catastrophic cognitions to the maintenance of panic disorder and agoraphobia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of empirical studies.
- Inclusion of studies using diverse methodologies: interviews, questionnaires, self-monitoring, and in vivo techniques.
Main Results:
- Substantial empirical evidence supports the central role of catastrophic cognition in cognitive models of panic disorder.
- Convergent findings across different methodologies underscore the importance of catastrophic cognitions in maintaining PD and PDA.
Conclusions:
- The empirical evidence strongly supports the significant contribution of catastrophic cognitions to the maintenance of panic disorder and agoraphobia.
- Highlights limitations in current research and proposes future research directions for a deeper understanding.