Group cognitive-behavior therapy for patients failing to respond to pharmacotherapy for panic disorder: a clinical case series

Behav Res Ther. 1999 Aug;37(8):763-70. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(98)00176-4.

Abstract

The last decade has brought exciting advances to the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia, and a variety of cognitive-behavioral and pharmacologic treatment strategies offer clear benefit to patients. Nonetheless, treatment nonresponse continues to be a chronic problem, and additional strategies are needed to aid patients who do not respond fully to initial interventions. In the present study, we use 'services' research to document the clinical response of pharmacotherapy nonresponders to a standard program of brief, group cognitive-behavioral therapy. Patients responded well, regardless of whether they had received a full, adequate trial of pharmacotherapy. In addition to its application as an initial treatment for panic disorder, routine application of cognitive-behavioral therapy in pharmacologic treatment algorithms is encouraged, with attention to referral of pharmacotherapy nonresponders to cognitive-behavioral therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agoraphobia / diagnosis
  • Agoraphobia / psychology
  • Agoraphobia / therapy*
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Benzodiazepines