Effectiveness of a Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia and the Impact of Partner Involvement

Abstract

A brief treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) supported by self-help materials may be an alternative choice to standard CBT: this type of program may also help to overcome some of the cost-benefit limitations of standard cognitive behavioural therapy. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a brief cognitive behaviour therapy (7 weeks) for PDA, with and without partner involvement, along with a self-study manual. A total of 77 participants meeting DSM-IV criteria of PDA were assigned to one of three treatment conditions: 1) a 14-session standard CBT (n = 26); 2) a 7-session brief cognitive behaviour therapy along with a self-study manual (n = 26); and 3) a 7-session brief cognitive behaviour therapy involving a partner along with a self-study manual (n = 25). Results show a statistically and clinically significant improvement on all outcome measures in the three treatment conditions. Gains were maintained up to 6 months. Both brief CBT conditions were as effective as the standard cognitive behavioural treatment. These results suggest that a brief program, supported by self-help materials, that shortens the time during which the patient suffers from this problem may be a good option for the treatment of panic disorder.