Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for panic disorder in a specialized unit.

INTRODUCTION The efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy for panic disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia is well established, but few data exist on its effectiveness using a group format. The goal of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of group CBT in a sample of PD patients in a specialized unit. METHODS Treatment consisted of nine weekly group sessions. Patients with PD (n=56) were assessed at baseline, after the treatment and in one and three-months followups. RESULTS There were significant reductions in panic/agoraphobia symptoms and related variables between baseline and post-treatment, and these reductions were maintained in three-month follow-up. No differences were observed between those patients who received only CBT and those who received pharmacological treatment as well as CBT. Only initial panic/agoraphobia symptoms were significant predictors of treatment response at the end of treatment (a greater severity was associated with a worse response to CBT). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that group CBT in a specialized unit is effective for PD patients.