Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Compared With Nonprescriptive Treatment of Panic Disorder

Abstract

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatment for panic disorder has been established in controlled studies. However, little is known about the efficacy of other psychological treatments. We report the results of a study comparing cognitive behavioral treatment with a focused nonprescriptive treatment for panic. Three sessions of panic-related information were provided in each treatment, followed by 12 sessions of either nonprescriptive, reflective listening (non-prescriptive treatment) or a treatment package that included breathing retraining, muscle relaxation, cognitive reframing, and exposure to interoceptive and agoraphobic stimuli (cognitive behavioral treatment). Posttreatment and 6-month follow-up assessments revealed a good response to both treatments. We observed a high rate of panic remission and significant improvement in associated symptoms in subjects in each treatment group. These findings raise questions about the specificity of cognitive behavioral treatment.