Cognitive Group Therapy for Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia

Treatment

DIAGNOSIS: Panic Disorder

TREATMENT: Cognitive Group Therapy for Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia

BRIEF SUMMARY

Basic premise: Cognitive group therapy for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia is a therapeutic approach that focuses on addressing the cognitive aspects of panic disorder, including the thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations that contribute to the development and maintenance of panic symptoms. In a group setting, individuals with panic disorder work together under the guidance of a therapist to identify and challenge maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive distortions that contribute to their anxiety. The therapy often incorporates elements of cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, and skill-building to help participants develop more adaptive ways of thinking and coping with panic symptoms and related agoraphobic concerns. By targeting cognitive factors, the therapy aims to reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks, as well as mitigate avoidance behaviors associated with agoraphobia. The group context allows participants to share experiences, provide mutual support, and learn from others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Clark, D. M., Salkovskis, P. M., Hackmann, A., Middleton, H., Anastasiades, P., & Gelder, M. (1994). A Comparison of Cognitive Therapy, Applied Relaxation and Imipramine in the Treatment of Panic Disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6), 759–769. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.164.6.759

Salkovskis, P. M., Clark, D. M., & Gelder, M. G. (1996). Cognition-behaviour links in the persistence of panic. Behaviour research and therapy, 34(5-6), 453-458. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0005796795000836

Society of Clinical Psychology – Div12. (n.d.). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder. Div12.org. https://div12.org/treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-panic-disorder/

TREATMENT RESOURCES

TREATMENT MANUALS

The treatment of anxiety disorders: Clinician guide and patient manuals (Andrews, 2003)

Psychological treatment of panic (Barlow, 1988)

Cognitive approaches to panic disorder: Theory and therapy (Beck, 1988)

Cognitive therapy of anxiety disorders: Science and practice (Clark & Beck, 2010)

Anxiety and Panic Disorder. Patient Treatment Manual. (Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, 2010)

Mastery of your anxiety and panic. Therapist guide (Craske & Barlow, 2007)

Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: A Practice Manual and Conceptual Guide (Wells & Leahy, 1998)

WORKBOOKS and WORKSHEETS

Cognitive Therapy Skills (University of Michigan Medicine)

What are Panic Attacks (Therapist Aid)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Assessment of fear in agoraphobics: The body sensations questionnaire and the agoraphobic cognitions questionnaire (Chambless et al., 1984)

Brief standard self-rating for phobic patients. (Marks & Mathews, 1979)

Multicenter collaborative Panic Disorder Severity Scale (Shear et al., 1997)

Free downloadable PDF Resources (Anxiety Canada)

Panic attacks and Panic Disorder (Psychology Tools)

SUPPORTING STUDIES

Beck, J. G., Stanley, M. A., Baldwin, L. E., Deagle, E. A., & Averill, P. M. (1994). Comparison of cognitive therapy and relaxation training for panic disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 62(4), 818–826.

https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.62.4.818

Bouchard, S., Gauthier, J., Laberge, B., French, D., Pelletier, M.-H., & Godbout, C. (1996). Exposure versus cognitive restructuring in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34(3), 213–224.

https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(95)00077-1

Marchand, A., Coutu, M., Dupuis, G., Fleet, R., Borgeat, F., Todorov, C., & Mainguy, N. (2008). Treatment of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia: Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Four Psychosocial Treatments Combined with Imipramine or Placebo. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 37(3), 146–159.

https://doi.org/10.1080/16506070701743120

Michelson, L., Mavissakalian, M., & Marchione, K. (1985). Cognitive and behavioral treatments of agoraphobia: Clinical, behavioral, and psychophysiological outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53(6), 913–925.

https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.53.6.913

Michelson, L., Mavissakalian, M., & Marchione, K. (1988). Cognitive, behavioral, and psychophysiological treatments of agoraphobia: A comparative outcome investigation. Behavior Therapy, 19(2), 97–120.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(88)80035-2