The Effects of the Five-Session Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy for Panic Disorders: Ultra-Brief Treatment

Abstract

Structuring short-term and group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) will make an important contribution to cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of our five-session CBGT protocol in reducing panic disorder symptoms and beliefs underlying this disorder in the perspective of cognitive theory. A protocol of five sessions was applied with forty-six patients who were diagnosed with panic disorder and volunteered for the study. A sociodemographic data form, the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), Agoraphobic Cognition Scale (ACS), and Health Anxiety Scale (HAS) were administered to the patients by the study team. The scales were reapplied before the group process started, after the 2nd session, after the 5th session, and at the 6th month after the end of the therapy process. A significant change was observed between baseline and 6th-month controls in all measurements. In addition, there was no difference in PDSS, BDI, BSQ, and HAS scores between the end of therapy and 6th-month values. Our study will make a valuable contribution to the literature as it is the first CBGT study in our country and a short protocol such as five sessions is used.