Delivering Treatment for Adolescent Panic Disorder with Flexibility and Fidelity

Abstract

Panic disorder often is referred to as one of the most impairing psychological disorders to affect adolescents, and if left untreated, it can detrimentally impact an adolescent’s developmental trajectory and increase their risk for other mental health disorders. Treating panic disorder at its earliest stages is critical. Fortunately, the development and testing of psychological treatment protocols for panic disorder in adolescence has progressed meaningfully. For patients to receive maximum benefit from a manual-based therapy for adolescent panic, it is necessary for therapists not only to deliver its core therapeutic components, but also to recognize the importance of a flexible, patient-focused delivery. We provide a description of each of the core treatment components required to maintain fidelity when treating adolescent panic, as well as components or variations that are considered “optional” depending on the patient’s needs. We review data on important factors that should be considered as well as how information about these factors can inform the flexible implementation and improve outcome. Together, knowledge from empirical studies on panic disorder combined with careful consideration of how to be flexible provide guidance for delivering a treatment for adolescent panic.