Intensive cognitive behavioral group therapy for the treatment of panic disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Panic disorder is one of the most commonly occurring emotional disorder, showing increased prevalence rates since the COVID–19 pandemic. The ever-growing number of patients in need of treatment is a heavy burden on the healthcare system, which draws attention to the importance of low-intensity, short and effective psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders, especially in the field of primary care. According to international guidelines, the recommended evidence-based treatment of panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is based on the cognitive model of panic disorder. According to the model, a panic attack develops in those who catastrophize the symptoms of the normal stress reaction, i.e., consider them a sign of a serious physical illness such as heart-attack and react to this with intense anxiety. Objective: Based on Salkovskis and Clark (1986), we developed a 5 session, intensive cognitive behavioral group therapy protocol for panic patients. Method: Effectiveness of the short group therapy was assessed with questionnaires (Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory) and an additional subjective scale. Paired sample t-tests were conducted. Results: Our results suggest that the intensity of anxiety and depressive symptoms (t(36) = 5.497, p<0.0001; Z = –4.871, p<0.0001) as well as the frequency of panic attacks (Z= –5.190, p<0.0001) decreased significantly after the 5 session group therapy. Discussion and conclusion: Our clinical study provides further evidence by the effectiveness of low-intensity psychological interventions, offering an evidence-based protocol for professionals working in primary as well as mental health care.