Relationship between cognitions and perceived self-efficacy with the severity of panic disorder with agoraphobia

Abstract

Introduction

The influence of cognitions and the perceived self-efficacy on mental health has been studied for a long time. Some studies have linked the perceived self-efficacy and apprehensive cognitions with the severity of panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Objectives

To study the relationship between self-efficacy and dysfunctional beliefs of patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia and severity of the disorder.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the evidence of relationship between self-efficacy and cognitions with the severity of panic disorder. PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched.

Results

The studies conclude that a higher level of self-efficacy decreases anticipatory anxiety and negative emotional states in panic disorder with agoraphobia, reducing the severity of panic disorder. There is a temporal relationship between dysfunctional beliefs, self-efficacy and fear of a panic attack: changes in fear are preceded by changes in beliefs, changes in efficacy or changes in both beliefs and self-efficacy. Therefore, a higher level of self-efficacy and positive beliefs have been studied as a significant predictor of lower severity of the disorder and a greater improvement during treatment.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that cognitive changes precede improvement and the importance of cognitive appraisals for anticipatory anxiety and severity of the panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.