Effect of an acceptance and commitment group therapy in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia. A preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction

Acceptance and commitment therapy for the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia has been a big boost in last years, and there are preliminary studies about its efficacy. However, most studies have used individual interventions.

Objectives

Evaluate the effect of an acceptance and commitment group therapy in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia.

Methods

The sample consisted of 24 patients, aged between 18 and 55 years old, who were referred to groups by psychologists and psychiatrists of Mental Health Center. The intervention in each group consisted of 12 treatment sessions of 1 h 30 m duration, weekly. One pretest and posttest evaluation was conducted. The variables studied were: severity of panic disorder (Panic Disorder Severity Scale [PDSS]), fear of physical sensations (Body Sensations Questionnaire [BSQ]), frequency of catastrophic thoughts (Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire [ACQ]) and level of experiential avoidance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II [AAQ-II]).

Results

The mean scores for all variables studied decreased in the post-evaluation. Means in post-evaluation were significantly lower (t Student, a = 0.10) in three of the four variables studied: severity of the condition (P = 0.001), frequency of catastrophic thoughts (P = 0.038) and level experiential avoidance (P = 0.073). In other words, patients had fewer panic attacks after treatment, and those who had were less intense, they had less catastrophic thoughts about consequences of anxiety, and they were better to accept their feelings and thoughts.

Conclusions

Although it is necessary to continue the study with a larger sample, these preliminary results support the use of ACT in group format in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.