Treatment goals for panic disorder

In Light of the mounting evidence that panic disorder (PD) tends to run a chronic or recurrent course, treatment goals for PD-both specific and general-have been reviewed and a model has been developed to assess the achievement of these goals over the long-term treatment of this disorder. The role of patient education in setting treatment goals has received special attention. The Goal-Oriented Monitoring and Assessment of the Efficacy of Treatment model measures the efficacy of treatment in terms of which treatment goals have been achieved and to what extent. Success of long-term treatment of PD depends on clear formulation of realistic treatment goals; implementation of effective treatment modalities for achieving these goals; maintenance of all treatment gains; prevention of relapses, recurrences, and complications; ensuring: decreased vulnerability for PD and its exacerbations; and continuity of care. The Goal-Oriented Monitoring and Assessment of the Efficacy of Treatment model was used to assess the treatment of 118 patients at a day clinic. Patients were followed up for 24 months. Most treatment goals were achieved during the initial intensive, integrative treatment, with treatment gains being successfully maintained during follow-up. The model identified often-neglected patient needs that required particular attention over the course of treatment and during follow-up.