The effect of Korean‐group cognitive behavioural therapy among patients with panic disorder in clinic settings
Authors: Choi Y. S. , Lee E. J. , Cho Y. 
Published: October 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Panic disorder patients display various panic‐related physical symptoms and catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations, which lower their quality of life by interfering with daily activities. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a useful strategy for panic disorder patients to manage symptoms associated with inaccurate cognitive interpretation of situations resulting from the patient's cognitive vulnerability. In South Korea, however, despite the increasing prevalence of panic disorder, CBT is not a common element of nursing care plans for panic disorder patients. Moreover, few Korean researchers have attempted to assess the effects of CBT on such patients.

What this paper add to existing knowledge?

In a strategy combining CBT and routine treatments, patients with panic disorder can experience greater positive effects in the acute treatment phase than those they experience when receiving only routine treatment.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health professionals, especially psychiatric nurses in local clinics who operate most special mental health programmes for panic disorder patients, should apply a panic disorder management programme that integrates CBT and routine treatments. The integrated approach is more effective for reducing the number of panic attacks and cognitive misinterpretation in patients than providing routine treatment alone.

For patients with panic disorder, the objective of CBT is to understand the relationship between psychological panic disorder sensations, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Therefore, nurses can help patients address and improve biological, social and psychological aspects of physical health problems as well as help them improve their coping skills in general.

Introduction

In panic disorder, sensitivity to bodily sensations increases due to the patient's cognitive vulnerability. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help to decrease sensitivity to bodily sensations by correcting these cognitive distortions by controlling negative thoughts and panic attacks.

Aims

This study verified whether group CBT is more effective than treatment as usual (TAU) in South Korean patients with panic disorder.

Methods

The study participants consisted of 76 panic disorder patients. Patients in the therapy condition attended sessions once a week for a total of 12 sessions in addition to drug treatment.

Results

In the therapy condition, there were significant decreases in panic‐related bodily sensations and ranking and belief scores for catastrophic misinterpretation of external events.

Discussion

Group CBT, in comparison to TAU, decreases panic and agoraphobia symptom severity in South Korean patients with panic disorder. Our study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a panic disorder management programme that integrates group CBT and traditional pharmacotherapeutic treatment for patients with panic disorder.

Implications for Practice

The cognitive behavioural approach is needed to reduce panic and agoraphobia symptoms for hospitalized patients with panic disorder more than activity therapies, medications and supportive counselling by doctors and nurses.