Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Panic Disorder Delivered by Psychopharmacologically Oriented Clinicians

Abstract

A cognitive-behavioral treatment program for panic disorder was delivered by staff members of a psychiatric center that traditionally utilizes pharmacological methods. Psychiatrists, a nurse practitioner, and psychologists not previously exposed to behavioral techniques were trained by a behavioral psychologist to utilize a treatment program consisting of breathing control, cognitive restructuring, and exposure to panic-eliciting somatic cues. Of the 24 patients treated as part of this training in panic control therapy, 14 were panic-free after treatment and three additional patients showed moderate improvement and decreased frequency of panic. A case example is presented to demonstrate the application of behavioral techniques to individual patients. Discussion is focused on issues surrounding training in behavioral methods and problems in exporting behavioral technology to centers that emphasize psychopharmacological approaches to treatment.