Analysis of brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for panic disorder

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if a modification made to the traditional treatments for panic disorder (PD) proved to be effective in adjusting to the cultural and economic characteristics of patients in the southern Andean Region of Colombia. A quasi-experimental model was used, measurements were taken before and after treatment and follow-ups took place after 1 and 2 years; the sample was made up of 82 people (47 women and 35 men, with an average age of 34 and 29 years respectively). Results showed a reduction of PD clinical symptoms after the treatment (d>0.8), the significance in all cases was p <0.001 and changes maintained throughout the follow up period. In conclusion, it is posible to draw the treatment closer to the socio-cultural characteristics of patients to whom it is directed and the number of sessions could be reduced maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment.