Nicole Livermore|Louise Sharpe|David K. McKenzie
Prevention of panic attacks and panic disorder in COPD
University of Sydney|University of Sydney|UNSW Sydney
study examined whether cognitive behavioural therapy cbt could prevent development worsening panicspectrum psychopathology anxiety symptoms chronic obstructive pulmonary disease copd 41 patients copd undergone pulmonary rehabilitation randomised either foursession cbt intervention condition n 21 routine care condition n 20 assessments baseline postintervention 6 12 18month followups primary outcomes rates panic attacks panic disorder anxiety symptoms secondary outcomes depressive symptoms catastrophic cognitions breathing difficulties diseasespecific quality life hospital admission rates significant differences groups outcome measures baseline 18month followup assessment 12 60 routine care group participants experienced least one panic attack previous 6 months two 17 diagnosed panic disorder cbt group participants experienced panic attacks followup phase also significant reductions anxiety symptoms catastrophic cognitions cbt group three followups lower number hospital admissions 6 12month followups study provides evidence brief specifically targeted cbt intervention treat panic attacks copd patients prevent development worsening panicspectrum psychopathology anxiety symptoms