2013 Student Research Conference:
26th Annual Student Research Conference

How Much Does Quality of Life Improve for Panic Disorder Patients Receiving Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? A Meta-Analysis.
Sarah J. David
Dr. Jeffrey Vittengl, Faculty Mentor

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder associated with significant social and health consequences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for panic disorder focuses on patients hypersensitivity to cues of physical arousal and misinterpretation of these sensations as signaling immediate threat. CBT for panic disorder has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and panic attacks and is regarded as a first-line treatment. Numerous studies have tested the efficacy of CBT for panic disorder in reducing symptoms, yet studies rarely test whether patients' quality of life (the extent that patients enjoy and actively participate in their lives) improves. This meta-analysis synthesized published research measuring improvements in quality of life during CBT for patients with panic disorder. Across 13 studies (N=496), quality of life increased substantively, but quality of life improvements were significantly smaller than symptom improvements. These results suggest that treatments for panic disorder might be enhanced to focus on quality of life.

Keywords: Panic Disorder, Quality of Life, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Topic(s):Psychology

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 3-2
Location: GEO
Time: 3:30

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