Cognitive-behaviour therapy for panic disorder: A Papua New Guinea case

Extract

The case of a 43 year old Papua New Guinea man with no previous history of psychological disorder who was diagnosed as suffering panic disorder is described. This case illustrates the possible applicability of cognitive-behaviour therapy to Papua New Guineans with a range of anxiety problems.

The patient, Mr A, is a 43 year old married father of four children, employed in a supervisory position with a large PNG corporation. He comes from a middle class family of nine children and describes his childhood in bright colours. He completed ten years of schooling before obtaining a job with his current employer. There was no family history of psychiatric disorder.

Mr A's presenting concern was pain on the right side of his arm and regular severe headaches. Mr A first experienced the pain in 1986 when it lasted for a few weeks and than stopped. However, in 1990 the pain returned. Mr A sought medical treatment and analgesic drugs were prescribed. The drugs relieved the pain but for only a short time.