Intensive behavioral therapy for agoraphobia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We investigated the efficacy of an intensive 1-week behavioral therapy program focusing on agoraphobia for panic disorder patients with agoraphobia (PDA).

DESIGN AND METHODS:

The study design was a case-control study. Main outcome measure was the agoraphobia score of the Fear Questionnaire (FQ-AGO). The outcomes on the FQ-AGO of a 1-week intensive therapy (96 patients) and a twice-weekly therapy (98 patients) were compared.

RESULTS:

Agoraphobia improved significantly in both groups, 1 week and 3 months after therapy. Effect size for changes in the 1-week intensive therapy on the FQ-AGO was 0.75.

LIMITATIONS:

Limitations are use of antidepressants, no placebo group, and no long term follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Behavioral therapy for agoraphobia can be shortened significantly if intensified without affecting therapy outcome, thus allowing patients a more rapid return to work and resumption of daily activities.

• Authors: Inge J E Knuts, Gabriel Esquivel, Thea Overbeek, Koen R J Schruers
• Journal: Journal of affective disorders (J Affect Disord) Vol. 174 Pg. 19-22 (Mar 15 2015) ISSN: 1573-2517 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 25479049 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Agoraphobia (drug therapy, psychology, therapy)
• Antidepressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Behavior Therapy (methods)
• Case-Control Studies
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (methods)
• Comorbidity
• Desensitization, Psychologic (methods)
• Fear
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Panic Disorder (therapy)
• Psychometrics
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome