Cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder in adolescence

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2010;39(5):638-49. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2010.501288.

Abstract

This investigation represents the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Panic Control Treatment for Adolescents (PCT-A). Thirteen adolescents, ages 14 to 17, were randomized to 11 weekly sessions of PCT-A treatment, whereas 13 were randomized to a self-monitoring control group. Results indicate that adolescents receiving immediate PCT-A showed a significant reduction in clinician-rated severity of panic disorder and in self-reported anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and depression, in comparison to control group participants. These treatment gains were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Clinical severity of panic continued to improve from posttreatment to 3-month follow-up and then remained stable at 6-month follow-up. In light of study limitations, these findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder in adolescence is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for this debilitating condition in youth.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychology, Adolescent / methods
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome